COVID-19 Vaccinations
We carry the Novovax, Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca varieties of the vaccine, so you have plenty of options. If you’re unsure what type is best for you and your needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and discuss this with our friendly staff.
Different forms of vaccines will require boosters at different intervals and in different amounts. The Moderna vaccine booster, for example, is a half-dose of the full Moderna vaccine, while the Pfizer booster is a full dose. The reasons are complex but the person administering your vaccine knows the differences and will be able to give you the correct one. While you might think the need for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster has passed, this is not the case. Infection rates are still relatively high and some people, such as the elderly, immunocompromised or young people, are still at risk of serious side effects. ‘Long COVID’ is a risk even among healthy people, so it’s best to avoid any unnecessary risk.
Benefits Of A COVID-19 Vaccination
If you’ve already had COVID-19 and recovered, you might think you don’t need to be vaccinated. It’s important you do receive a first or booster dose three months after your illness. Even if you’ve had COVID-19 once before, you can get it again. A vaccination will give you the best chance of protection against serious illness and that’s probably the greatest benefit they can offer.
All vaccines used at Gorokan Pharmacy have been assessed and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), so we know they’re safe and effective to use.
Preparing For A COVID-19 Vaccination
There are helpful things you can do to prepare for your COVID-19 vaccination at Gorokan Pharmacy.
Make sure your Medicare details are correct. If you don’t have a Medicare account, you can still receive a vaccination at our pharmacy.
Some people may be anxious before receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. They might have many questions or concerns about the effectiveness or side effects of the vaccination. If this is you, our friendly staff are on hand to assist you with any questions you might have regarding the vaccine. The health of all our clients is our priority, and we take every step to make sure our vaccinations are safely administered and are only going to lead to positive health outcomes.
Some people are also very anxious about needles. At Gorokan Pharmacy, we understand vaccinations and needles are not always pleasant and do all we can to make sure we treat each client with the support and care they need to feel comfortable. Feel free to bring a friend or relative along if you’re feeling anxious. If you’re particularly worried or afraid of the vaccination, make sure you let us know. We will do our best to reassure you and help you feel supported as we administer your vaccination.
Flu Vaccine
To reduce the risks of contracting flu and lessen the effects if you are infected, a flu vaccine is recommended for all people. If you have young children, elderly or immunocompromised people in your life, a flu vaccine may be a great way to help keep them healthy and safe.
Common side effects of the flu include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Coughing
- Chills
Benefits Of A Flu Vaccination
Influenza, or the flu, is a very contagious airway infection and is particularly dangerous for people who are immunocompromised, pregnant, elderly and babies and young children. Some people with the flu require hospitalisation and lives are lost to it each year. Flu vaccination is a safe, effective way to keep you protected from a serious illness that can result from the flu. These vaccines change every year according to developments in the virus.
Getting vaccinated against the flu doesn’t just help you. It also helps protect the people around you. Babies younger than 6 months and individuals with low immunity can’t be vaccinated and getting the vaccine yourself helps provide important protection for these vulnerable people.
What To Expect After A Flu Vaccination
Some people believe that a flu vaccination might end up giving them the flu, but this isn’t the case. While vaccines do need to carry part of the virus they’re protecting you against, they are “inactivated”, meaning the virus they contain isn’t live. As a result, you can’t catch the flu from the vaccine you receive at Gorokan Pharmacy.
After your vaccination, you might feel soreness or stiffness at the vaccination site and it may look a bit red. This shouldn’t last very long, at most a day or two. An ice pack and resting your arm can help relieve your discomfort.
Some people do experience side effects after their shot and these can be similar to the early symptoms you might present if you had the flu. If you notice a fever, tiredness or muscle aches after you have your vaccination, rest assured these symptoms will usually resolve on their own after one to two days, once your body has developed an immune response. If you have any questions about the vaccine and about what to expect, our friendly Gorokan Pharmacy team is here to help.
Vaccination FAQ
How do I get my COVID-19 vaccination certificate?
There are a few ways, but the quickest is to sign into MyGov, select the ‘proof of vaccinations’ quick link, click the type you need and follow the prompts. You can put this certificate onto your phone too for easy, on-the-go access.
How long do I need to wait between COVID-19 vaccinations?
The current government recommendation is to wait 4 to 12 weeks depending on variations (the person administering the vaccine will advise you.) You’ll need to wait 3 months between finishing the primary course and your first booster, and 4 months between your first and second boosters (if you need one.)
Do I need to get vaccinated if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Getting COVID-19 does provide a temporary natural reduction of reinfection risk for about 4 months after the initial infection. However, it is still recommended that you get vaccinated even if you’ve had COVID-19.