Frequently Asked Questions
Is the COVID vaccine Safe?
COVID vaccines have been developed without compromising quality, safety and effectiveness.
It may appear they have been developed very quickly, but researchers around the world have been working hard to develop COVID vaccines from the earliest stages of the pandemic.
They have been able to speed up development of vaccines thanks to the collaboration between them, scientists, manufacturers and distributors. The development and implementation planning phases have been run side-by side, instead of one after the other. This has been made possible because of unprecedented global funding.
Providing access to safe and effective COVID vaccines for everyone in Australia is a priority for the Australian Government.
The TGA, have been rigorously assessing the COVID vaccines for safety, quality and effectiveness. They will continue to do this and update the recommendations as required. Once approved, each batch is also checked to make sure it meets the same quality standards. All these checks and balances ensure the vaccine you receive will be the safest and most appropriate option.
How much does the COVID Vaccine cost?
COVID-19 vaccine doses are free for all Australians.
Why is the COVID vaccine administered over 2 doses?
When your immune system first encounters a vaccine, it activates two important types of white blood cells, B-cells and T-cells.
B-cells create antibodies (warriors) to fight against the pathogen (germ that causes disease). There may be an abundance of them in your blood post a vaccine exposure, but they are short-lived. Without the second booster shot there is usually a rapid decline in these antibodies (warriors).
T-cells are memory cells, these identify (from memory!) the pathogen (germ that causes disease) to kill it. These cells tend to linger in the blood for much longer, but you usually won’t have many of these cell type until there is a second exposure, which occurs through the booster (second) dose.
It is important you get the same type of COVID-19 vaccine. This is because the evidence from clinical trials shows this is effective and is what is approved for use by the TGA.
Are there any side effects to the COVID vaccine?
COVID vaccination reduces the risk of you getting COVID. You may experience minor side effects following vaccination.
Common reactions to vaccination include:
Serious reactions such as allergic reactions are extremely rare. They usually occur within 15 minutes of receiving a vaccine. After you receive your vaccine, you should wait this amount of time before you leave the pharmacy to ensure your safety in case a reaction occurs.
These are some very rare side-effects to the Covid vaccine, they may take up to 3 weeks to appear, these include:
Use the COVID 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.
The COVID-19 vaccine side effects symptom checker is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a medical professional for serious symptoms or emergencies.
Is it mandatory to get the COVID vaccine?
While the Australian Government strongly supports immunisation against COVID-19, it is not compulsory. Everyone maintains the right to choose whether to receive a vaccination.
Is the COVID vaccine effective?
Both vaccines are very effective at stopping people from becoming very sick if they catch COVID.
The vaccines have been thoroughly assessed by the TGA and found to be effective.
Clinical trials of both vaccines also indicate their effectiveness is very good.
As other countries around the world progress with their rollouts, more and more data is becoming available that shows these vaccines are both highly effective when it comes to a real-world situation.
New information from the United Kingdom, for example, shows that both these vaccines significantly reduce severe COVID-19 infection in older adults.
This adds to the growing evidence that shows both vaccines are working and are highly effective in protecting people against severe illness, hospitalisation and death
What do I bring with me when I come in to get my Covid vaccine?
Make sure to bring a form of photo ID along to your appointment - if you don't have a form of photo ID, your medicare card is the next best option.
COVID vaccines have been developed without compromising quality, safety and effectiveness.
It may appear they have been developed very quickly, but researchers around the world have been working hard to develop COVID vaccines from the earliest stages of the pandemic.
They have been able to speed up development of vaccines thanks to the collaboration between them, scientists, manufacturers and distributors. The development and implementation planning phases have been run side-by side, instead of one after the other. This has been made possible because of unprecedented global funding.
Providing access to safe and effective COVID vaccines for everyone in Australia is a priority for the Australian Government.
The TGA, have been rigorously assessing the COVID vaccines for safety, quality and effectiveness. They will continue to do this and update the recommendations as required. Once approved, each batch is also checked to make sure it meets the same quality standards. All these checks and balances ensure the vaccine you receive will be the safest and most appropriate option.
How much does the COVID Vaccine cost?
COVID-19 vaccine doses are free for all Australians.
Why is the COVID vaccine administered over 2 doses?
When your immune system first encounters a vaccine, it activates two important types of white blood cells, B-cells and T-cells.
B-cells create antibodies (warriors) to fight against the pathogen (germ that causes disease). There may be an abundance of them in your blood post a vaccine exposure, but they are short-lived. Without the second booster shot there is usually a rapid decline in these antibodies (warriors).
T-cells are memory cells, these identify (from memory!) the pathogen (germ that causes disease) to kill it. These cells tend to linger in the blood for much longer, but you usually won’t have many of these cell type until there is a second exposure, which occurs through the booster (second) dose.
It is important you get the same type of COVID-19 vaccine. This is because the evidence from clinical trials shows this is effective and is what is approved for use by the TGA.
Are there any side effects to the COVID vaccine?
COVID vaccination reduces the risk of you getting COVID. You may experience minor side effects following vaccination.
Common reactions to vaccination include:
- pain, redness and/or swelling where you received the needle
- chills or mild fever
- headache
- tiredness
- muscle pain
- joint pain
- nausea
Serious reactions such as allergic reactions are extremely rare. They usually occur within 15 minutes of receiving a vaccine. After you receive your vaccine, you should wait this amount of time before you leave the pharmacy to ensure your safety in case a reaction occurs.
These are some very rare side-effects to the Covid vaccine, they may take up to 3 weeks to appear, these include:
- temporary facial drooping
- shortness of breath or wheezing
- sever, persistent headache
- chest pain
- legs swelling
- persistent abdominal (stomach) pain
- unusual skin bruising and/or 'pin-point' round spots beyond the site of injection
Use the COVID 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.
The COVID-19 vaccine side effects symptom checker is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a medical professional for serious symptoms or emergencies.
Is it mandatory to get the COVID vaccine?
While the Australian Government strongly supports immunisation against COVID-19, it is not compulsory. Everyone maintains the right to choose whether to receive a vaccination.
Is the COVID vaccine effective?
Both vaccines are very effective at stopping people from becoming very sick if they catch COVID.
The vaccines have been thoroughly assessed by the TGA and found to be effective.
Clinical trials of both vaccines also indicate their effectiveness is very good.
As other countries around the world progress with their rollouts, more and more data is becoming available that shows these vaccines are both highly effective when it comes to a real-world situation.
New information from the United Kingdom, for example, shows that both these vaccines significantly reduce severe COVID-19 infection in older adults.
This adds to the growing evidence that shows both vaccines are working and are highly effective in protecting people against severe illness, hospitalisation and death
What do I bring with me when I come in to get my Covid vaccine?
Make sure to bring a form of photo ID along to your appointment - if you don't have a form of photo ID, your medicare card is the next best option.
AstraZeneca Vaccine Information
The AstraZeneca vaccine is very effective against COVID-19AstraZeneca vaccine protects you against getting COVID-19.
With two doses of the vaccine, spaced by 12 weeks, you are 90 per cent less likely to get very sick or need to go to hospital with COVID-19.
This high level of protection also applies to new variants of COVID-19, such as the Delta variant.
The AstraZeneca vaccine and a rare blood clotting conditionA very rare and unusual blood clotting and low platelet count condition (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or TTS) may occur in a small group of people who receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
This condition affects about one out of every 100,000 people after the first dose. There have been very few reports of cases internationally after receiving the second dose of this vaccine, which has not been observed in Australia at this time.
The symptoms of this condition mostly start between 4 and 20 days after vaccination. It is a serious condition that can now be diagnosed rapidly and we now have effective treatments available.
Read more about thrombosis thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).
People with a history of blood clotsIf you have questions about a pre-existing medical condition and getting a COVID-19 vaccine you should speak to your doctor.
People with the following conditions can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine:
Anyone who has already had their first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine without any serious side effects can safely receive their second dose of AstraZeneca.
Read the joint statement on the AstraZeneca vaccine released by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society of Australian and New Zealand (THANZ).
Ingredients of the AstraZeneca vaccineView ingredients of the AstraZeneca vaccine on the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s website.
You can also view more general information on vaccine ingredients on the Australian Government’s Department of Health information page.
Medicinal ingredient:
Information about all AstraZeneca ingredients
Inactive adenosine vector (adenovirus)
This is the vaccine’s key ingredient to deliver the fragment of genetic instructions to train the body to fight against COVID-19. Adenoviruses are a group of common viruses for a variety of illnesses, for example conjunctivitis and the common cold. Most people are likely to have been exposed to adenoviruses. The AstraZeneca vaccine has been made from an inactivated adenovirus which causes the common cold in chimpanzees. But the adenovirus has been inactivated so it cannot cause an infection or make new copies of itself.This type of vaccine development technology is not new – it has been tested for many other diseases such as flu and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).The AstraZeneca vaccine does not contain COVID-19 virus and cannot give you COVID-19.
Amino acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for our bodies to function. For example, amino acids help to form our muscles and hormones. In the AstraZeneca vaccine, amino acids help the active part of the vaccine work more effectively. The amino acids in AstraZeneca are histidine and histidine hydrochloride monohydrate.
Emulsifiers
Some vaccines contain both oil and water-based ingredients, which do not mix well. Adding emulsifiers help the oil and water-based ingredients stay together, like adding egg yolk to your ice cream or custard.
The emulsifier in AstraZeneca is polysorbate 80.
Preservatives
Preservatives protect the vaccine from becoming contaminated after opening. The COVID-19 vaccines are delivered in multi-dose vials, so preservatives ensure the safety, shelf-life, and protection of vaccines. Preservatives are used in foods and everyday products like baby care products, soaps, and hand sanitiser. Tiny amounts of anti-bacterial ingredients in AstraZeneca are disodium edetate dihydrate and ethanol (at less than 0.005%, which is about 1000 times weaker than the amount in beer).
Salt
Salt is a common ingredient in the kitchen, for example sodium chloride (kitchen salt) is used for cooking. Salt helps balance out acidity, so that vaccines are more stable for storage and safer for our bodies.
The salts in AstraZeneca are:
Sugar
Sugar is also a cooking ingredient and used in vaccines as a stabiliser - sugar stops the molecules from losing their shape during the production.
Sucrose is the sugar in AstraZeneca.
Sterile water
Water is used in vaccines to dilute all the ingredients and make sure only the smallest amounts are used.
The AstraZeneca vaccine does not contain:
With two doses of the vaccine, spaced by 12 weeks, you are 90 per cent less likely to get very sick or need to go to hospital with COVID-19.
This high level of protection also applies to new variants of COVID-19, such as the Delta variant.
The AstraZeneca vaccine and a rare blood clotting conditionA very rare and unusual blood clotting and low platelet count condition (thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or TTS) may occur in a small group of people who receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
This condition affects about one out of every 100,000 people after the first dose. There have been very few reports of cases internationally after receiving the second dose of this vaccine, which has not been observed in Australia at this time.
The symptoms of this condition mostly start between 4 and 20 days after vaccination. It is a serious condition that can now be diagnosed rapidly and we now have effective treatments available.
Read more about thrombosis thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).
People with a history of blood clotsIf you have questions about a pre-existing medical condition and getting a COVID-19 vaccine you should speak to your doctor.
People with the following conditions can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine:
- History of blood clots in typical sites including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Increased clotting tendency that is not immune mediated
- Family history of blood clots
- History of ischaemic heart disease or stroke
- Current or past thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Those receiving anticoagulation therapy
Anyone who has already had their first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine without any serious side effects can safely receive their second dose of AstraZeneca.
Read the joint statement on the AstraZeneca vaccine released by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society of Australian and New Zealand (THANZ).
Ingredients of the AstraZeneca vaccineView ingredients of the AstraZeneca vaccine on the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s website.
You can also view more general information on vaccine ingredients on the Australian Government’s Department of Health information page.
Medicinal ingredient:
- Inactive adenosine vector containing a fragment of SARS-CoV-2
- histidine
- histidine hydrochloride monohydrate
- sodium chloride
- magnesium chloride hexahydrate
- disodium edetate dihydrate (EDTA)
- sucrose
- ethanol
- polysorbate 80
- sterile water for injection
Information about all AstraZeneca ingredients
Inactive adenosine vector (adenovirus)
This is the vaccine’s key ingredient to deliver the fragment of genetic instructions to train the body to fight against COVID-19. Adenoviruses are a group of common viruses for a variety of illnesses, for example conjunctivitis and the common cold. Most people are likely to have been exposed to adenoviruses. The AstraZeneca vaccine has been made from an inactivated adenovirus which causes the common cold in chimpanzees. But the adenovirus has been inactivated so it cannot cause an infection or make new copies of itself.This type of vaccine development technology is not new – it has been tested for many other diseases such as flu and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).The AstraZeneca vaccine does not contain COVID-19 virus and cannot give you COVID-19.
Amino acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for our bodies to function. For example, amino acids help to form our muscles and hormones. In the AstraZeneca vaccine, amino acids help the active part of the vaccine work more effectively. The amino acids in AstraZeneca are histidine and histidine hydrochloride monohydrate.
Emulsifiers
Some vaccines contain both oil and water-based ingredients, which do not mix well. Adding emulsifiers help the oil and water-based ingredients stay together, like adding egg yolk to your ice cream or custard.
The emulsifier in AstraZeneca is polysorbate 80.
Preservatives
Preservatives protect the vaccine from becoming contaminated after opening. The COVID-19 vaccines are delivered in multi-dose vials, so preservatives ensure the safety, shelf-life, and protection of vaccines. Preservatives are used in foods and everyday products like baby care products, soaps, and hand sanitiser. Tiny amounts of anti-bacterial ingredients in AstraZeneca are disodium edetate dihydrate and ethanol (at less than 0.005%, which is about 1000 times weaker than the amount in beer).
Salt
Salt is a common ingredient in the kitchen, for example sodium chloride (kitchen salt) is used for cooking. Salt helps balance out acidity, so that vaccines are more stable for storage and safer for our bodies.
The salts in AstraZeneca are:
- sodium chloride
- disodium edetate dihydrate (also a preservative)
- magnesium chloride hexahydrate.
Sugar
Sugar is also a cooking ingredient and used in vaccines as a stabiliser - sugar stops the molecules from losing their shape during the production.
Sucrose is the sugar in AstraZeneca.
Sterile water
Water is used in vaccines to dilute all the ingredients and make sure only the smallest amounts are used.
The AstraZeneca vaccine does not contain:
- Milk
- Egg
- Latex
- Pork or pork product (such as pork gelatine).
MoDerna Vaccine information
Moderna is a vaccine that can prevent people from becoming ill from COVID-19. Two doses are required, usually given 4-6 weeks apart (in special circumstances the interval may be longer). The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any live virus, and it cannot give you COVID-19. It contains the genetic code for an important part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus called the spike protein. After getting the vaccine, your body makes copies of the spike protein. Your immune system will then learn to recognise and fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The genetic code is broken down quickly by the body.
To prevent COVID-19, everyone who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine should get vaccinated, with a few exceptions specified in this information sheet. Vaccination is voluntary. You can discuss any concerns or questions you have about COVID-19 vaccination with your immunisation provider and/or your GP before you receive the vaccine.
Benefits of the vaccineVery large clinical trials have shown that Moderna is effective in preventing COVID-19 in people aged ≥12 years and older. Adults who had two doses of Moderna were about 94 percent less likely to become ill from COVID-19 than people who did not get the vaccine. The vaccine was also effective in people aged over 65 years (86%) and in adolescents aged 12-17 years.
Protection against COVID-19 starts from about two weeks after the first dose. While one dose may give some protection, it may only last for the short-term. Two doses will give optimal protection. No vaccine is 100 percent effective, so it is possible that you can still get infected and sick from COVID-19 after vaccination. We do not know how long the protection from Moderna will last. We will learn more about this over time. We currently do not know exactly how effective COVID-19 vaccines are at preventing spread of the virus. This means that even vaccinated people could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and even if they have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, they could still pass it on to others.
This is why it is important to continue other preventative measures like:
Who can receive this vaccineThe Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted provisional approval for use of Spikevax (Moderna) in people aged ≥ 12 years.
Who should not receive this vaccine
You should not receive this vaccine if you have had:
Special circumstances to discuss before vaccinationPeople with precautionary conditions for ModernaPeople with a history of any of the following conditions can receive Moderna but advice should be sought from a GP, immunisation specialist or cardiologist about the best timing of vaccination and whether any additional precautions are recommended:
People with weakened immune systems (immunocompromise)People with immunocompromise includes those who have a medical condition that weakens their immune system. It also includes those who may be taking medications that suppress their immune system.
The Australian Government strongly recommends people with immunocompromise receive COVID-19 vaccination. Moderna is not a live vaccine. It is safe in people with immunocompromise.
People with immunocompromise, including those living with HIV, have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including a higher risk of death.
Clinical trials for Moderna did not include people with immunocompromise, except for a small group of people with stable HIV. We do not know if Moderna is as effective in people with immunocompromise compared to the rest of the population. It is possible that Moderna might not be as effective in people with immunocompromise as it is in the general population. It is important to continue other preventative measures such as physical distancing after vaccination.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeedingPregnant women and adolescents should be routinely offered one of the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer or Moderna, at any stage of pregnancy. If you are trying to become pregnant you do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination.
Pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk of severe illness and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Real-world evidence has shown that Moderna is safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding women. You can discuss the decision in relation to timing of vaccination with your health professional.
If you are breastfeeding, you can have Moderna. You do not need to stop breastfeeding after vaccination.
People with a history of COVID-19If you have had COVID-19 in the past, tell your immunisation provider. Your provider may advise you to wait for up to six months after recovery before having a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have ongoing illness from COVID-19, discuss the best timing of vaccination with your treating doctor.
Moderna and childrenModerna has been provisionally approved for use in people aged ≥ 12 years or older, and cannot be given to younger people.
Ensuring the safety of ModernaModerna and other COVID-19 vaccines have been developed quickly due to increased funding for vaccine research, and access to very large numbers of volunteers for research studies. A large clinical trial involving around 30,000 people confirmed Moderna to be safe and effective.
The TGA assesses all vaccines in Australia. This ensures that, in order for a vaccine to be approved, it is safe, effective and manufactured to a very high quality standard. A description of the process for approval of COVID-19 vaccines is available on the TGA website.
The safety of COVID-19 vaccines will be monitored continuously throughout the COVID-19 vaccination program.
There are reports of a very rare side effect involving blood clotting with low blood platelet count after receiving the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) vaccine. The AstraZeneca vaccine is made in a different way from Moderna. There is no evidence of this condition being linked to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
You can report suspected side effects to your vaccination provider or other healthcare professional. They will then make a formal report on your behalf to your state or territory health department or directly to the TGA.
If you would prefer to report it yourself, please visit the TGA website for information on how to report suspected side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccines.
To prevent COVID-19, everyone who is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine should get vaccinated, with a few exceptions specified in this information sheet. Vaccination is voluntary. You can discuss any concerns or questions you have about COVID-19 vaccination with your immunisation provider and/or your GP before you receive the vaccine.
Benefits of the vaccineVery large clinical trials have shown that Moderna is effective in preventing COVID-19 in people aged ≥12 years and older. Adults who had two doses of Moderna were about 94 percent less likely to become ill from COVID-19 than people who did not get the vaccine. The vaccine was also effective in people aged over 65 years (86%) and in adolescents aged 12-17 years.
Protection against COVID-19 starts from about two weeks after the first dose. While one dose may give some protection, it may only last for the short-term. Two doses will give optimal protection. No vaccine is 100 percent effective, so it is possible that you can still get infected and sick from COVID-19 after vaccination. We do not know how long the protection from Moderna will last. We will learn more about this over time. We currently do not know exactly how effective COVID-19 vaccines are at preventing spread of the virus. This means that even vaccinated people could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and even if they have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, they could still pass it on to others.
This is why it is important to continue other preventative measures like:
- physical distancing
- hand washing
- wearing a face mask
- COVID-19 testing and quarantine/isolation as required by your state/territory.
Who can receive this vaccineThe Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted provisional approval for use of Spikevax (Moderna) in people aged ≥ 12 years.
Who should not receive this vaccine
You should not receive this vaccine if you have had:
- anaphylaxis (a type of severe allergic reaction) to a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (i.e. Moderna or Comirnaty (Pfizer))
- anaphylaxis after exposure to any component of the vaccine, including polyethylene glycol (PEG)
- myocarditis and/or pericarditis attributed to a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (i.e. Moderna or Pfizer)
- any other serious adverse event, that following review by an experienced immunisation provider or medical specialist was attributed to a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (i.e. Moderna or Pfizer) and without another cause identified.
- an allergic reaction to a previous dose or to an ingredient of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (i.e. Moderna or Pfizer)
- anaphylaxis to other vaccines or to other medicines. Your provider can check to ensure there are no common ingredients with the COVID-19 vaccine you are receiving
- confirmed mastocytosis with recurrent anaphylaxis that requires treatment
Special circumstances to discuss before vaccinationPeople with precautionary conditions for ModernaPeople with a history of any of the following conditions can receive Moderna but advice should be sought from a GP, immunisation specialist or cardiologist about the best timing of vaccination and whether any additional precautions are recommended:
- Recent (i.e. within the past 6 months) or current inflammatory cardiac illness e.g., myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis
- Acute rheumatic fever (i.e., with active myocardial inflammation) or acute rheumatic heart disease
- Acute decompensated heart failure
People with weakened immune systems (immunocompromise)People with immunocompromise includes those who have a medical condition that weakens their immune system. It also includes those who may be taking medications that suppress their immune system.
The Australian Government strongly recommends people with immunocompromise receive COVID-19 vaccination. Moderna is not a live vaccine. It is safe in people with immunocompromise.
People with immunocompromise, including those living with HIV, have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including a higher risk of death.
Clinical trials for Moderna did not include people with immunocompromise, except for a small group of people with stable HIV. We do not know if Moderna is as effective in people with immunocompromise compared to the rest of the population. It is possible that Moderna might not be as effective in people with immunocompromise as it is in the general population. It is important to continue other preventative measures such as physical distancing after vaccination.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeedingPregnant women and adolescents should be routinely offered one of the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer or Moderna, at any stage of pregnancy. If you are trying to become pregnant you do not need to delay vaccination or avoid becoming pregnant after vaccination.
Pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk of severe illness and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Real-world evidence has shown that Moderna is safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding women. You can discuss the decision in relation to timing of vaccination with your health professional.
If you are breastfeeding, you can have Moderna. You do not need to stop breastfeeding after vaccination.
People with a history of COVID-19If you have had COVID-19 in the past, tell your immunisation provider. Your provider may advise you to wait for up to six months after recovery before having a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have ongoing illness from COVID-19, discuss the best timing of vaccination with your treating doctor.
Moderna and childrenModerna has been provisionally approved for use in people aged ≥ 12 years or older, and cannot be given to younger people.
Ensuring the safety of ModernaModerna and other COVID-19 vaccines have been developed quickly due to increased funding for vaccine research, and access to very large numbers of volunteers for research studies. A large clinical trial involving around 30,000 people confirmed Moderna to be safe and effective.
The TGA assesses all vaccines in Australia. This ensures that, in order for a vaccine to be approved, it is safe, effective and manufactured to a very high quality standard. A description of the process for approval of COVID-19 vaccines is available on the TGA website.
The safety of COVID-19 vaccines will be monitored continuously throughout the COVID-19 vaccination program.
There are reports of a very rare side effect involving blood clotting with low blood platelet count after receiving the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) vaccine. The AstraZeneca vaccine is made in a different way from Moderna. There is no evidence of this condition being linked to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
You can report suspected side effects to your vaccination provider or other healthcare professional. They will then make a formal report on your behalf to your state or territory health department or directly to the TGA.
If you would prefer to report it yourself, please visit the TGA website for information on how to report suspected side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccines.
24/7 Coronavirus Hotline
If you suspect you may have COVID-19 call the dedicated hotline – open 24 hours, 7 days.
Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
1800 675 398
If you suspect you may have COVID-19 call the dedicated hotline – open 24 hours, 7 days.
Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
1800 675 398