COVID-19

• COVID-19 vaccines: Frequently asked questions

  We answer some of the most frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines in our COVID-19 FAQ, and we update them regularly as new information becomes available. 

  Access the FAQ here

• COVID-19 and children: Frequently asked questions

  We answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about COVID-19 in children, vaccines available in Australia, vaccine safety and schooling.

  Access the FAQ here

• COVID-19 vaccination: summary for immunisation providers

  We have developed a new page that provides an 'all-in-one-place' summary of new and updated information and advice on COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination program to assist immunisation providers.

  Access this page here

• NACCHO-NCIRS COVID-19 FAQ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

  The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and NCIRS have jointly developed a resource that provides information about COVID-19 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

  Access this resource here

• Recommendations for developing COVID-19 vaccine communication materials

  We have developed a new resource for organisations promoting COVID-19 vaccines to guide them in creating targeted communications and to address questions and concerns that people may have.

  The guide, informed by a review of global literature, highlights factors that may influence acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. The guide also offers recommendations for developing COVID-19 communication materials.

  Access the guide here

• ATAGI recommendations on the use of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine - 28 October 2021

  The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has developed recommendations on the use of additional (booster) doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

  Access the recommendations here

• ATAGI clinical guidance on replacement doses for invalid primary courses of COVID-19 vaccines - 30 September 2021

  The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has issued guidance for scenarios where individuals have been considered to have received an inadequate two-dose primary course, such as vaccine schedule deviation or administration errors.

  Access this guidance here

• ATAGI statement on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in all young adolescents in Australia - 27 August 2021

  The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) supports COVID-19 vaccination in all adolescents from 12 years of age. Vaccination against COVID-19 is now recommended for all people from 12 years of age, extending the current recommendation for those 16 years and older.

  Read the statement here

• ATAGI clinical guidance on COVID-19 vaccine in Australia in 2021 - 20 August 2021 update

  The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has developed clinical guidance for immunisation providers and program staff on use of COVID-19 vaccines in Australia in 2021. It provides recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines. It will be updated as new information and vaccines become available.

  Access the clinical guidance here

• ATAGI statement regarding COVID-19 vaccines in the setting of transmission of the Delta variant of concern

  A statement from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) regarding COVID-19 vaccines in the setting of transmission of the Delta variant of concern.

  Read the statement here

• Guidance on myocarditis and pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccines

  This guidance has been developed jointly by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ).

  Access the guidance here

• Clinical advice on the use of a different COVID-19 vaccine as the second dose

  The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends to use the same COVID-19 vaccine for the 2 doses of the primary vaccination course, unless there are specific medical reasons not to do so, or the same vaccine brand is not available in Australia.

  Read the ATAGI advice here

• ATAGI Statement, Response to NSW COVID-19 outbreak 24 July 2021

  The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) released a statement in response to the NSW COVID-19 outbreak.

  Read the statement here

• ATAGI statement on use of COVID-19 vaccines in an outbreak setting

  13 July 2021

  The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has issued a statement on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in an outbreak setting.

  Access this statement here

• ATAGI statement on revised recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines

  Updated 17 June 2021

  The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has revised its guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines, with the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine (Comirnaty) now the preferred vaccine for those aged 16 to under 60 years. This updates the previous preferential recommendation for Comirnaty over COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in those aged 16 to under 50 years. The recommendation is revised due to a higher risk and observed severity of thrombosis and thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) related to the use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine observed in Australia in the 50-59 year old age group than reported internationally and initially estimated in Australia.

  Read the full ATAGI statement here

   

• Updated ATAGI advice on administering seasonal influenza vaccines in 2021

  9 June 2021

  The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has issued updated advice on the relative timing of administering influenza vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines in 2021.

  The preferred minimum interval between a dose of influenza vaccine and a dose of either Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) vaccine or Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is now 7 days (previously 14 days).

  Read more about this change in:

  • ATAGI advice on seasonal influenza vaccines in 2021
  • Clinical advice for vaccination providers – 2021 influenza vaccines
• ATAGI and THANZ joint statement on thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) and the use of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca

  23 May 2021

  The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society of Australia and New Zealand (THANZ) have released a joint statement that provides updated information about thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) and the use of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. 

  Read the statement here

• ATAGI reinforces recommendations on use of COVID-19 vaccines

  23 April 2021

  The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released a statement on use of COVID-19 vaccines following review of vaccine safety data and benefits. 

  Read this statement here 

• ATAGI advice on influenza and COVID-19 vaccines

  The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has provided advice on the relative timing of administering influenza and COVID-19 vaccines in 2021.

  Access the advice here 

• Provider guide to COVID-19 vaccination of people with immunocompromise

  This Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) guide is to support health professionals who are counselling patients with immunocompromise regarding COVID-19 vaccination.

  Access the guide here 

• COVID-19 vaccination – Primary care approach to thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome after COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine

  This document for health professions outlines the primary care approach to identifying, diagnosing and treating thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome after COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccine.

  Access the document here

• COVID-19 vaccination – Weighing up the potential benefits against risk of harm from COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca

  The Australian Government Department of Health has has developed a resource to help people weigh up the potential benefits against risk of harm from COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. 

  Access this resource here 

• Patient information sheet on AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS)

  The Australian Government Department of Health has developed a resource to provide information to people about the AstraZeneca vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccination program.

  Access this resource here

• COVID-19 Vaccine – General Questions

  This new resource directed at general practices provides information to vaccination providers, including advice on drawing up syringes and timing to administer the vaccine; patient eligibility; and clinical considerations, including history of anaphylaxis. 

  Access the resource here

• COVID-19 vaccines ⁠–⁠ Is it true?

  With new COVID-19 vaccine developments every day, it’s normal to have questions or concerns, and possibly feel hesitant about getting a vaccine. That's why the Australian Government Department of Health is providing accurate, evidence-based answers to questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

  Access the questions and answers here

• Key updates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

  A newsletter that provides key health updates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander households, communities and stakeholders.

  Access the newsletter here

• COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker

  A new COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker tool has been developed by the Australian government. This tools can be used to check if you can book a COVID-19 vaccination yet. You can do this for yourself or for another person.

  Access this tool here

• COVID-19 vaccine side effect checker

  Use the COVID-19 vaccine side effect checker tool if you have had a COVID-19 vaccination and think you may be experiencing side-effects.

  Access the tool here

• COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for people with immunocompromise

  This guide is for people with a weakened immune system (which is called immunocompromise), including people taking immune-weakening medicines, who are considering COVID-19 vaccination. This guide includes information about two vaccines:

  • COVID-19 vaccines Comirnaty (Pfizer)
  • COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca.
     

  Access this guide here

• COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for frail older people

  This decision guide is to help a person who is frail or very old, including those in residential aged care facilities, make an informed decision about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

  Access this guide here

• Information for people with disability about COVID-19 vaccines

  Some people with disability are at greater risk of becoming very sick if they catch COVID-19. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is a safe and effective way of protecting you, your family and the community.

  Find out more in this new resource on Information for people with disability about COVID-19 vaccines from the Australian Government Department of Health.

• COVID-19 vaccine information for in-home and community aged care recipients and workers

  The Australian Government Department of Health has developed a collection of fact sheets about COVID-19 vaccines for workers and recipients of in-home and community aged care.

  Access these fact sheets here

• COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy

  A decision guide to help women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy decide whether they should have a COVID-19 vaccine. It contains information about the COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty (Pfizer, Australia). This information will be updated when other vaccines become available.

  Access this guide here

• COVID-19 updates for general practitioners

  A webinar series for general practitioners on the COVID-19 response and the vaccine rollout is held weekly. The panel provides key updates and answer participants’ questions.

  Read more and register for webinar here

  MBS COVID-19 Vaccine Suitability Assessment Service

  From March 2021, 16 new MBS items will be available to enable GPs and suitably qualified health professionals to assess patient’s for their suitability to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The MBS COVID-19 vaccine suitability assessment service is free to Medicare eligible patients and the MBS items must be bulk billed.

  Access the fact sheet here

• Training programs for COVID-19 vaccination providers

  The Australian Government has partnered with the Australian College of Nursing to develop and deliver free and accredited COVID-19 vaccination training modules. This training is mandatory for all COVID-19 vaccination providers to safely manage and administer COVID-19 vaccines. Read more

  Update to training program as at 9 April 2021

  Significant updates have occurred in the COVID-19 vaccination training program on Friday 9 April. Module progress and completion have not been affected. All changes within the modules are identified by 'NEW' in red.

  Visit the COVID-19 vaccination training website to log in and view the updates.
   

• Information for COVID-19 vaccination providers

  The Department of Health has developed information for COVID-19 vaccination providers, including general practices, GP-led Respiratory Clinics, Aboriginal and Community Controlled Health Services and community pharmacies, about:

  • how to become a vaccination provider
  • vaccination training
  • clinical guidance
  • consent information 
  • reporting side effects from a COVID-19 vaccine

   

  Access this information here

• Resources for providers on caring for people with COVID-19

  The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce has updated several recommendations, including flowcharts for the management of mild, moderate to severe, and post-acute COVID-19, and released a new recommendation for the use of tocilizumab in children and adolescents who require supplemental oxygen therapy.

  Access these resources here

• New COVID-19 vaccines website

  The Department of Health has developed a new vaccine website so people can stay informed. This website is regularly being updated with more information as it becomes available. Information will also be available in 63 languages.

  Access the website here.

• Phase 1A and Phase 1B vaccine rollout presentations

  Phase 1A COVID-19 vaccine rollout 

  Phase 1B  COVID-19 vaccine rollout 

• Staged rollout of vaccines

  The Australian Government has a strategy to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to everyone living in Australia as soon as they are available. A staged rollout of the vaccine is expected to commence in February 2021.

  Read more

• COVID-19 vaccination – Common questions (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

  The Australian Government Department of Health has developed a resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to answer questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

  Access this resource here. 

• What happens after I'm vaccinated for COVID-19

  Find out what you need to do after you are vaccinated for COVID-19 here.

  Patient fact sheets

  COVID-19 vaccination – after your Pfizer (CORMIRNATY) vaccine 

  COVID-19 vaccination – After your AstraZeneca vaccine

• Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?

  Find out how vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, are tested for safety before they are approved for use in Australia here.

• Therapeutic Goods Administration

  The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is responsible for monitoring the safety of all vaccines approved for use in Australia. TGA has put in place a comprehensive system to capture reports of adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination, through:

  • Australia's well-established safety monitoring processes for vaccines
  • Enhancements to vaccine safety monitoring as described in the COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Monitoring Plan
  • Active surveillance by SMS or email through AusVaxSafety

   

  Read more here

• AusVaxSafety

  The AusVaxSafety system, coordinated by NCIRS and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, will be conducting comprehensive active safety monitoring of COVID-19 vaccines. This is to ensure the safety of COVID-19 vaccines and provide clinician and consumer confidence in the vaccination program.

  Read more here

• Australian Capital Territory

  Information about COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination program roll out in the Australian Capital Territory is available here.

   

   

• New South Wales

  NSW Health has developed information about the COVID-19 vaccination for NSW healthcare workers.

  Access this information here:

  Fact sheet for healthcare providers

  Information sheet for people receiving the COVID-19 vaccine - Comirnaty

  
  COVID-19 vaccination in NSW

• Northern Territory

  The Northern Territory government has developed resources to provide information about COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination program roll out. 

  Access this information here

   

• Queensland

  The Queensland government has developed a web page to provide information about COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination program.

  Access this information here

• South Australia

  The South Australian government's COVID-19 vaccinations web page provides information about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination program roll out in the state.  

  Access this information here 

• Tasmania

  The Tasmanian government has developed resources to provide information about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination program roll out.

  Access this information here

• Victoria

  The Victorian government has developed information about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination program in Victoria.

  Access this information here:

  Types of COVID-19 vaccines

  Who will be able get vaccinated first 

  Information for health care workers 

   

• Western Australia

  WA Health has developed a range of resources about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination program.

  Access this information here: 

  COVID-19 vaccine information for the general public

  COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination hubs in Western Australia

  COVID-19 vaccine resources

• WHO Collaborating Centre for Vaccine Safety

  The WHO Collaborating Centre for Vaccine Safety has developed videos and podcasts for health workers and the public to address common questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

  Access these resources here

• Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety

  The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) has reviewed the latest evidence on rare adverse blood coagulation events after vaccination with AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

  Access the review here