You can use healthdirect Service Finder to locate a COVID-19 vaccination clinic near you.
COVID-19 vaccines
Vaccination remains the best protection from serious illness and hospitalisation if you get COVID-19.
To have the best protection against serious illness from COVID-19, you should get all the recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses for your age and individual health needs.
You should get a COVID-19 vaccination booster dose if you are an adult (aged 18 years and over) and it has been 6 months or more since your last COVID-19 vaccination or infection. This is particularly recommended for people at higher risk of severe illness.
If you are at higher risk of severe illness, you should also consider an additional 2023 booster dose after 6 months.
A GP or treating health professional can provide COVID-19 booster advice based on your individual situation, including if you should get an additional booster and when.
Booster doses are free for everyone.
COVID-19 booster dose recommendations are made by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) regarding COVID-19.
All COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia are assessed by the Therapeutics Goods Administration for safety, quality and effectiveness. More information is available from the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.
Making a booking for a COVID-19 vaccination
You can make a booking for a COVID-19 vaccination:
- with your GP
- at a pharmacy
Use healthdirect Service Finder to locate a vaccination provider near you,
If you need help making a COVID-19 vaccine booking, send an SMS with 'Hey EVA' to 0481 611 382.
EVA (Easy Vaccine Access) is a callback service to help you book a COVID-19 vaccination. EVA can assist with booking vaccinations in 60 languages.
For information about how to prepare for your vaccination, including consent forms and what to do if you don’t have a Medicare card, see the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website.
Let your GP, treating specialist or health care provider know if you have:
- had an anaphylactic reaction following a COVID-19 vaccination
- had any severe reaction following a COVID-19 vaccination
- a prior history of allergic reactions or anaphylaxis to vaccines or vaccine ingredients
- a severe phobia of needles.
They will be able to assess your suitability for a COVID-19 vaccine and appropriate locations to receive them.
COVID-19 vaccine side effects symptom checker
People who get vaccinated may experience some mild side effects.
Common side effects include:
- pain, redness and/or swelling near the injection site
- headache
- fever.
Serious reactions, like allergic reactions are rare.
For specific advice about side effects from the vaccine, ask your doctor or a healthcare professional.
If you have a reaction that you consider severe or unexpected, or you are concerned, seek medical advice as soon as possible, or go directly to hospital.
You can use the COVID-19 vaccine side effects symptom checker on the Health Direct website if you have any concerns about any symptoms after your COVID-19 vaccination.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about COVID-19 vaccines? Please visit the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care website for more information.