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Can I get the COVID-19 Vaccine from my GP?
GPs are key to a successful COVID-19 community vaccination program throughout Australia. Learn more.
Can I get the COVID-19 Vaccine from my GP?
Eligible patients can currently book to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at select Our Medical locations in Sydney, Victoria and Queensland.
The COVID-19 vaccine program is rolling out across Australia over five phases starting February 2021.
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have provided approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia for people aged 16+ years and the Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 18+ years.
Why are there five phases of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout?
For effective management of the virus, it is important to prioritise vaccinating workers with the highest risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19 and the most vulnerable groups. The national COVID-19 Vaccine Program will rollout in phases of priority groups, with the first recipients (phase 1a) of the Pfizer vaccine to include Quarantine and border workers, frontline health care workers and aged care and disability care staff and residents.
From March 22nd, the phase 1b will include the rollout of vaccines to vulnerable groups, including adults aged 70+, other health care workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over age 55, young adults with a medical condition, and clinical and high-risk workers. The rest of the population will be focused on in phases 2a, 2b and 3.
To find out when you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, use the Department of Health's Vaccine Eligibility Checker.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory?
Having a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is one way we can protect our community against Coronavirus. COVID-19 vaccines help to prevent serious illness and death from COVID-19, and they are free for everyone in Australia.
The COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary and all recipients of the COVID-19 vaccines will require two doses. For Pfizer/BioNTech the recommended time between doses is three weeks apart. For the Astra Zeneca vaccine, the current guidance is to allow 12 weeks between doses.
With the provisional approval by the TGA of the COVID-19 vaccines, Australians can be assured of the safety, quality, and effectiveness of the vaccine. The rigorous TGA approval process can be viewed here.
In there anything else patients should be aware of at this time?
Our Medical has always been at the forefront of providing vaccinations for all, annually providing access to a free seasonal flu vaccine. We believe GPs are key to a successful and safe rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be available from March/April 2021 onwards. Please visit Our Medical location pages to access information on COVID-19 vaccine availability and online bookings.
The free flu vaccine will be available at all of Our Medical medical centres from March 2021.
