We have heard about the COVID-19 sickness and how lots of people around the world and in Australia have gotten very sick and died from the disease.
We have been lucky in Australia but as travel and tourism starts we need to protect our elders and future generations.
There are new vaccines which will teach your body how to fight the COVID 19 sickness, the vaccines will protect you, your family and your community from getting really sick from COVID-19.
You don’t have to have the vaccine but it is strongly recommended.
Make sure you get the vaccine when it is your turn.
There are different types of the COVID-19 vaccine and you’ll need to have two doses of the same.
Before you get vaccinated, the clinic will ask you some Health questions.
First they will ask if you have any allergies.
An allergy is when you come close to something and get sick very quickly.
You might get an itchy rash. Your tongue may get big. You might breath fast or cough a lot.
Other questions you’ll get asked are about the medicines you take.
If you have a weak immune system, if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
If you have a bleeding disorder. If you take medicine to thin your blood and if you have been sick recently.
The clinic will also ask your name and date of birth as well, and who your closest family members are.
They will ask you if you understand all the information they have talked to you about and if you agree to get the vaccine you’ll have to sign a consent form to get the vaccine.
To be vaccinated you will need to get a needle in your arm. You’ll need two needles on different days to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Once you get the needle the clinic nurse will get you to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes to make sure you are okay.
After you get the vaccine you might get some mild side effects such as a sore arm, a headache, feeling tired or having a fever.
This should only last 1-2 days it is normal and means the vaccine is working,
If you have severe symptoms like a headache that just wont go away, are worried about how you are feeling or have any questions, make sure you talk to the health clinics.
It is really important to get two COVID vaccine needles to get the best protection.
Its okay to get the needles at different places, like another community or location.
Your vaccine will be recorded on the national register, your health clinic can look up your vaccination history for you and give you a certificate once you have received two needles.
To find out more have a yarn with your local healthcare worker or your doctor.
Please note, this video was published on 14 July 2021. Updated health advice was provided by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), recommending everyone in Australia 16 years and over receive a COVID-19 booster dose, at least 3 months following their second dose. For more information about booster doses, have a yarn with your healthcare worker, or read the ATAGI’s statement.