This page is intended to help community members in south eastern Melbourne find reliable information about the COVID-19 vaccine. The information on this page is from:
- The Victorian Department of Health
- The Australian Department of Health
- Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisations (ATAGI)
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
- The World Health Organisation (WHO)
If you would like to know more about COVID-19 generally, please visit our ‘COVID-19 information for community’ page.
COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone living in Australia. You do not need a prescription from a GP to get vaccinated.
If you don’t have a Medicare card or are not eligible for Medicare, you can still get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Frequently asked questions
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Why should I get vaccinated for COVID-19?
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against infectious diseases.
Vaccines strengthen your immune system by training it to recognise and fight against specific viruses.
When you get vaccinated, you are protecting yourself and helping to protect the whole community.
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How do I book an appointment?
More than 320 general practices are administering the COVID-19 vaccine in south eastern Melbourne. Book a vaccine appointment at a clinic near you. If you’re new to that clinic, you may need to call them as well.
General practices: Not every doctor or general practice is administering the COVID-19 vaccine, but you can book a vaccine at participating general practices.
Community Pharmacy: COVID-19 vaccines are now available at your local pharmacy. Find participating pharmacies.
Vaccination hubs: Several mass vaccination hubs have been set up across Victoria. Use the Department of Health’s booking system to find an appointment.
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How do I know if COVID-19 vaccines are safe?
All vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety before they are approved for use in Australia. All vaccines are tested by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Watch this short video to learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines are approved.
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How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?
This video explains how vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccines, work.
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How do I get evidence of my COVID-19 vaccination?
After you have your second dose, a digital certificate will automatically be generated for you.
You can see it in your Medicare account through:
- the Express Plus Medicare app
- myGov
You will need to link your myGov account to Medicare. You can also save your digital certificate to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay if this option suits you.
See How to get proof for instructions.
If you're not eligible for Medicare, you need an Individual Healthcare Identifier to get your proof of COVID-19 vaccinations online. Read the instructions.
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I have more questions about the COVID-19 vaccine
- The Australian Department of Health has a Frequently Asked Questions page, to answer questions from the community.
- You can also speak to your doctor about the COVID-19 vaccines. They can help inform you about vaccines and help you make a decision about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
- If you need information about COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccines call 1800 020 080 (the National coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline). If you need assistance with booking a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, please note the call centre is unable to book appointments on your behalf.
Information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Victorian Department of Health has outlined vaccine information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples including:
- Why to consider getting vaccinated
- Where to book culturally safe vaccinations
- Who to talk to for more information
COVID-19 vaccine information in your language
Information about COVID-19 vaccines has been translated into multiple languages. Find information in your language.
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While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.
SEMPHN acknowledges the Bunurong and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies in which we work. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We also acknowledge all First Nations peoples with whom we work. Sovereignty was never ceded!