Step 1: Medicare requirements

Before your vaccination appointment, make sure your details are up to date with Medicare.

If you don’t have your account set up, you can:

• Enrol in Medicare, if you’re not already enrolled.
• Set up your Medicare online account if you’re enrolled in Medicare, but don’t have Medicare linked to myGov.
• Get an Individual Health Identifier (IHI), if you’re not eligible for Medicare.

Step 2: Check your eligibility

COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out to people in phases, with those most at risk receiving their vaccinations first. You can check your eligibility using the using the Australian Government Vaccine Eligibility Checker.

The COVID-19 vaccination rollout has moved to phase 2a. This means that adults aged over 50 are eligible to receive their vaccination at most locations. People aged between 40-49 years can now have the Pfizer vaccine, regardless of which phase they previously fell under.

The following people are also eligible in phases 1a and 1b:

• people aged 70 and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 55 and over
• people with underlying health conditions
• critical and high-risk workers currently employed
• healthcare workers currently employed
• household contacts of quarantine and border workers.

Step 3: Read the relevant vaccine information and consent forms

It’s important that you read important information about the COVID-19 vaccine and discuss any concerns with your regular doctor before your vaccination appointment.

COVID-19 vaccination patient information sheets

• Read the patient fact sheet developed by the Australian Government Department of Health: Preparing for COVID-19 vaccination.

COVID-19 vaccination consent form

• Read the Australian Government consent form: Consent form for COVID-19 vaccination

Step 4: Book your appointment

When it is your turn to get vaccinated, book your appointment by:

• by calling the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398
• through the Australian Government Eligibility Checker.

Step 5: Attend your appointment

Please do not go to your vaccination appointment if:

• you are feeling unwell with fever, cough, runny nose or other symptoms that could be from COVID-19
• you are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or have tested positive for COVID-19
• you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, or
• you are in quarantine.

Step 6: After your appointment

After receiving any vaccine, you may experience minor side effects. Most side effects are mild and last no more than a few days.

Common reactions to COVID-19 vaccinations include:

• a sore arm
• headache
• low level fever
• muscle pain
• chills
• tiredness
• joint pain.

You can use the COVID-19 vaccine side effects symptom checker if you have concerns about any symptoms after your vaccine. The checker is also available through the National Coronavirus Helpline, 1800 020 080, 24 hours a day.

Stay COVIDSafe after your COVID-19 vaccination

It’s important that you continue to protect those around you by:

• washing your hands regularly with soap and water
• keeping 1.5 metres away from others
• making sure the COVIDSafe app is active on your phone
• staying informed about local restrictions.