COVID-19 Vaccine

Getting the vaccine when it’s your turn will help slow the spread of COVID-19, and help prepare us for when international borders reopen. Vaccinations will also help us get back to doing the things that are important to us, like going on a holiday, catching up with friends, or attending uni classes in person.  

The best way for you to keep up to date with when the vaccine is available is to use the Health Direct Vaccine Eligibility Checker and register your interest. You can also keep up to date via your state or territory’s health website.

Yes, the vaccine is free for anyone in Australia, regardless of your visa status. If you are not eligible for Medicare, you can get your free COVID-19 vaccination at a Commonwealth or State / Territory vaccination clinic.

If you're not eligible for Medicare, you need to register for an Individual Health Identifier (IHI) before you get the vaccine. An IHI is a unique number which will help identify you every time you need healthcare, so that health specialists can be sure they’re accessing the right records for the right person. You can register for an IHI here. Note: your IHI is only shared with people who you have given permission to access it. This includes health professionals, like your GP, and your My Health Record (if you signed up for online health records). 

To book a vaccine, you can either contact a Commonwealth vaccination clinic or your state or territory clinics. You can find your state or territory health department information here.

If you don’t have a Medicare card you can only get the vaccine from a Commonwealth (Australian government) or state or territory vaccination clinic (see above). See here for the latest updates on where you can go to receive your free vaccination.

You can find information in languages other than English here.

There is more than one COVID-19 vaccine available in Australia. The vaccine you receive will depend on your age and personal circumstances. You can find out more information about the different vaccines here, or you can call the COVID-19 vaccine helpline on 1800 020 080 to discuss your options and make an informed decision.

You may experience some side effects after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, like soreness or redness where you received your needle, mild fever or headache. Some people may experience more significant flu-like symptoms. Most side effects last no more than a couple of days.

Serious reactions such as allergic reactions are rare. They usually occur within 15 minutes of receiving a vaccine, which is why you are asked to wait for this time period after receiving your vaccination.

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.

You can also find out more information here.

You can apply for a proof of COVID-19 vaccine statement as well as a digital vaccination certificate, just make sure you’ve first obtained an Individual Health Identifier (see above). This interactive tool from Services Australia will take you through the steps required for proof of vaccination, as well as how to access a printed copy of your vaccination record.

We suggest you contact the health department of your home country to understand their COVID-19 vaccine rollout and the impact for returning citizens.

The COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine are different vaccines that protect you from different viruses. To prevent the spread of both the flu and COVID-19, it is recommended you get both vaccines, keeping in mind that you need to wait at least 7 days between your flu and COVID-19 vaccine doses.

No, you do not need to take your Medibank card to your vaccination appointment. However, you may need to bring proof of eligibility (for example a photo ID to that proves you meet the age criteria). Please double check what you need to bring to your appointment with your vaccine provider.

No, you do not need to tell Medibank you are getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

No, the cost of your policy will not change because of your vaccination status.

Depending on where you live in Australia, vaccines are given out based on age or personal circumstances (e.g. the type of work you do or whether you have pre-existing medical conditions). It’s important that you read—in your preferred language—about the different vaccines, see which one is available in your state or territory, and then consult the Australian Government Vaccine Eligibility Checker.  Please consult with your GP or health practitioner if you have any concerns.

While it is a potential side effect, there is a very low chance of developing a blood clot from a COVID-19 vaccine. 

Find out more about the risk of blood clots after a COVID-19 vaccination here

Please consult with your GP or health practitioner if you have any concerns.