What Pfizer expansion means for Victorians

Victoria is opening Pfizer appointments to anyone aged 16 and over in an expansion of the vaccine rollout. Here’s all you need to know about getting the jab.

How many new jabs are available?

Over the next month an extra 830,000 vaccination appointments will be made available in Victoria’s state-run centres. This will include 450,000 bookings for a first dose of the Pfizer jab, which has been made available to people between the ages of 16 and 39 for the first time.

Who is eligible?

For the first time, people aged between 16 and 39 will be eligible for Pfizer. Previously, anyone aged 18-39 was only able to get AstraZeneca with informed consent.

Which jab will be given to each age group?

People aged 16 and 17 are only eligible for Pfizer, while those aged between 18 and 59 can choose between Pfizer or AstraZeneca. When you arrive at your appointment you will be able to choose which dose you want. Those aged over 60 will continue to receive AstraZeneca.

How do I get these jabs?

Anyone seeking to get vaccinated at a state-run clinic is required to book by either visiting the state government website or calling the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

Priority groups, such as healthcare workers, who have already been eligible, can walk in at clinics but the rest of the population has been asked to book ahead.

For full details go coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Victorians aged 16 and over can get Pfizer at state-run hubs from Wednesday. Picture: Tim Carrafa

When can I book?

The extra bookings will be available on the state government website from 7am on August 25. When you arrive at your appointment you will be able to choose which dose you want.

Where can I get it?

There are 55 state-run centres across Victoria. The full list is available on the vaccination centre website. New drive-through centres have been added at the former Ford factory in Broadmeadows, plus Sandown Racecourse in Springvale and Eagle Stadium in Werribee.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced the changes to eligibility on Tuesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Andrew Henshaw

Can I go to a GP or chemist for Pfizer?

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said people aged 16-39 can get Pfizer from August 30, which is expected to flow through to GPs from this date. Contact your GP to see if appointments are available. Pharmacies are currently only providing AstraZeneca jabs. Both GPs and pharmacies are already taking bookings and administering AstraZeneca and will continue to do so.

What if I’ve already got an appointment coming up?

If you are aged 18-39 and had booked an AstraZeneca appointment, you will be given a choice of vaccine at your booking. The government is urging everyone with appointments to keep their existing booking because they will still be able to make this decision.

If I’ve had AZ for my first dose can I switch?

No. The current national position is that everyone in Australia must get two doses of the same vaccine.

What if I’m aged over 60?

You are already eligible for AstraZeneca and have priority access to this vaccine. Pfizer has been prioritised for people below this age bracket and you will not be encouraged to get Pfizer unless it is required under medical advice or you are in a priority group.

When will my children get the vaccine?

The state government is working towards providing at least one first dose to children 12 and over by the end of the school year. Discussions are under way about rolling this out at schools and whether older students in their final years of school can get priority.

What do I bring to my appointment?

A face mask. If you have them, bring any emails about your appointment, photo ID and a Medicare card or Individual Healthcare Identifier number. You can still receive a vaccine at these centres if you don’t have a Medicare card or IHI number.