48 Splatt Street,
Swan Hill 3585

03 5033 9300

Swan Hill District Health Our Services COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 Vaccination

Safe. Effective. Free

Am I Eligible?

You can check your eligibility via the Department of Health’s Vaccine Eligibility Checker. The list of groups currently eligible are also listed on the Department of Health website.

Booking An Appointment

You can check your eligibility and if eligible for the current stage of the rollout you can then book an appointment via https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.

The service finder in the link above will show you your nearest Clinic and the details to book.

If you are unable to book online but have checked your eligibility you can phone the clinic on 5033 9968 (during business hours Monday-Friday).

Preparing for vaccination

There are things you can do ahead of your COVID-19 vaccination to get ready and stay safe.

  • Make sure your Medicare details are correct*.
  • Continue to practice good hygiene, physical distancing and adhere to local restrictions.
  • Understand how to isolate if you need to.
  • Check your current eligibility.

*If you are not eligible under Medicare, you are still able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for free at our Clinic.

You can also read this patient factsheet developed by the Australian Government Department of Health.

For more information, visit: www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/learn-about-covid-19-vaccines/what-should-i-do-before-i-get-vaccinated-for-covid-19

Attending Your Appointment

Please do not come to your vaccination appointment:

  • If you are feeling unwell with fever, cough, runny nose or other symptoms that could be from COVID-19
  • If you are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or have tested positive for COVID-19
  • If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, or
  • If you are in quarantine.

If you have had another vaccine, for example the influenza vaccination, in the 14 days before your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, please let us know as we may need to reschedule your appointment.

After Receiving Your Vaccine

You’ll be required to remain at the Clinic for 15 minutes after your vaccination. After receiving any vaccine, you may experience minor side effects. Most side effects are mild and last no more than a few days.

Common reactions to COVID-19 vaccinations include:

  • a sore arm
  • headache
  • low level fever
  • muscle pain
  • chills
  • tiredness, or
  • joint pain.

You can use the COVID-19 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.

Who to contact
You can ask your doctor for specific advice about side effects.

If you think a COVID-19 vaccine has caused a side effect, you can report it. Reports of suspected side effects help the TGA monitor COVID-19 vaccine safety. Visit the TGA website to find out how.

After your COVID-19 vaccination, it is important that you continue to protect those around you by:

• washing your hands regularly with soap and water

• keeping 1.5m from those you don’t live with

• making sure the COVIDSafe app is active on your phone

• staying informed about local restrictions.

9/4/2021 – Important information

Important information relating to the SHDH Respiratory Clinic Vaccination program

Swan Hill District Health (SHD) has acted swiftly in line with the advice provided by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) in light of the evolving evidence of a rare but serious side effect involving thrombosis with thrombocytopenia following receipt of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The ATAGI has recommended new changes to the Australian COVID-19 Vaccine Program including a preference for the use of the Pfizer vaccine in adults aged under 50 years.

The ATAGI has recommended that:

  • The AstraZeneca vaccine should only be used in adults aged under 50 where the benefits clearly outweigh the risk for that individual and the person has made an informed decision based on an understanding of the risks and benefits.
  • People who have had the first dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca without any serious adverse effects can be given the second dose, including adults under 50 years.

In line with ATAGI’s recommendations, SHDH is currently contacting any patients under 50 who are currently booked to receive their first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at the Swan Hill Respiratory Clinic to cancel bookings where the benefit clearly does not outweigh the risk.

If you have received your first dose of Astrazeneca, please remain alert for signs and symptoms of Thrombosis.  Signs and symptoms have occurred between 4 and 20 days following receipt of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. If you are concerned, please see your Doctor.

It is important to note the following statements from the Commonwealth Government:

  • the risk of developing this side-effect following receipt of the AstraZeneca vaccine is extremely rare;
  • the new age-based recommendations are made out of an abundance of caution and the benefits of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccination outweigh the risks for the vast majority of people; and
  • that if you have received your first dose of the vaccine with no major adverse reaction, you are strongly encouraged to receive the second dose as planned.

It is important to assure the community that the SHDH Vaccination program will continue using the Astrazeneca vaccine, where it is indicated as safe to do so and that SHDH will continue to work with both the State and  the Commonwealth Government to progress out Vaccine rollout in a safe and effective manner.

Resources

COVID-19 vaccination – Eligibility declaration form www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-eligibility-declaration-form

For more COVID-19 vaccine related resources, visit the Department of Health website.