Covid vaccine Victoria: Hotline number, how to book Pfizer, AstraZeneca vaccination in Melbourne

Victorians aged over 40 are now eligible for the Covid jab. Here’s everything you need to know about getting one.

Helpful information on how to get a Covid vaccination in Victoria.

WHO IS NOW ELIGIBLE?

All Victorians aged 40 and over are eligible for the jab.

WHAT VACCINE WILL I GET?

People aged 40-49 get the Pfizer vaccine. Those aged 50 and over get AstraZeneca. Clinical trials for both vaccines have shown they are effective in preventing severe illness from the disease.

WHERE CAN I GET IT?

Mass vaccination centres have been set up across the state, including at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and Melbourne Showgrounds. People can also get a vaccine through their GP. To find clinics go to covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au

DO I NEED A BOOKING?

People are encouraged to book ahead on the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398, but some vaccination centres accept walk-ins. Several are currently accepting those aged over 50 receiving the AstraZeneca jab as walk-ins. A few centres such as MCEC and Melbourne Showgrounds are also accepting people aged 40-49 receiving the Pfizer vaccine as walk-ins. Information on walk-ins may change daily. Details of which centres take walk-ins for which age groups is contained on the website.

Go to coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine for more information.

Melburnians queue for the vaccine at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

CAN I TRAVEL MORE THAN 5KM TO GET THE VACCINE?

Yes, getting the vaccine is one of the five reasons to leave home. If there is not a vaccination clinic within 5km, you can travel further. You will need to wear a face mask and be Covid-Safe when you’re in a centre.

DO WE HAVE ENOUGH DOSES?

Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said the state had “very good certainty” regarding supply of the vaccine “for the next foreseeable period”. The Victorian Vaccine Operations Centre said on Thursday that it had 269,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine on hand. An already scheduled delivery of 71,340 Pfizer doses were due to arrive in Victoria on Friday.

IS IT FREE?

Yes, providers cannot charge for the jab. If a provider charges for any costs associated with the administration of the Covid vaccination including booking fees, you should phone the Provider Benefits Integrity Hotline on 1800 314 808. Crown will also offer free parking from Friday in their multi-level carpark for the next week, for anybody coming to get vaccinated at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

HOW LONG DOES THE APPOINTMENT TAKE?

Queues for walk-ins are ranging from just minutes up to six hours, but the injection itself should be quick. A 15-minute observation period will then follow to check for any adverse reactions. Waiting times for walk-ins are listed on the website.

A woman receives the Pfizer vaccine at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne. Picture: Getty

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?

People may experience some side effects such as pain at the injection site, mild fever, and headache after getting their shot in the arm, but these generally last no more than a couple of days. It’s recommended you see your doctor or healthcare professional as soon as possible, or go directly to hospital if you have a reaction that you consider severe or unexpected or are concerned about your condition after vaccination. People should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling in the leg, persistent abdominal pain, neurological symptoms including severe and persistent headaches or blurred vision, or tiny blood spots under the skin beyond the site of injection.

HOW LONG DO I WAIT TO GET A SECOND DOSE?

The second Pfizer dose is given at least 21 days after the first, while there is a 12-week gap between AstraZeneca doses.

IS THE APPOINTMENT FOR THE SECOND DOSE BOOKED AUTOMATICALLY?

Patients are encouraged to book their second appointment after receiving the first dose of the vaccine.

WILL A VACCINE STOP ME GETTING COVID-19?

It protects a person by lowering their chances of getting Covid-19. It strengthens the immune system by training it to recognise and fight against the virus, so reduces its severity if contracted.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COVID IN VICTORIA?

Visit the Department of Health and Human Services Covid-19 help centre.