A vaccine works by training the body’s immune system to recognise and attack the disease-causing bacteria or virus. To do this, molecules from the disease-causing bacteria or virus, called antigens, are introduced into the body to trigger the natural immune response.

The immune system learns how to recognise these antigens and produces antibodies, specialised protective proteins that latch onto antigens to remove them from the body. If the bacteria or virus appears, the immune system will attack it before it causes any illness.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates all medicines in Australia including vaccines. Before a vaccine is used in Australia, the TGA assesses its safety and effectiveness and seeks advice from experts such as the Advisory Committee on Vaccines before it is approved¹. In addition to this, vaccine manufacturers must have a risk management plan that details any potential safety risks and how they will be dealt with if they arise¹.

Once a vaccine has been approved and is used on the population, its safety and effectiveness continue to be monitored by conducting further clinical trials, surveillance of the impact of the vaccine on the disease it aims to prevent, and surveillance of adverse events following immunisation¹.

Adverse events can occur when you take any type of medication. Adverse effects following a vaccination can be classified as either local or systemic.

Local adverse events include injection site reaction. This is where you may notice pain, redness or swelling where the vaccine was given. Most of these are only mild and resolve without treatment within a few days¹.

Systemic adverse events may include fever, headache, tiredness or allergic reactions. The most serious immediate adverse event following immunisation is anaphylaxis¹. Severe anaphylactic reactions usually happen rapidly, within 15 minutes of the vaccination. If this happens it is treated immediately using adrenaline¹. This is why we require you to wait 15 minutes after receiving a vaccination before leaving the store.

Vaccines should not be given to people who have a contraindication for the vaccine. That is, the person may have a pre-existing medical condition or may take a medication that significantly increases their chance of having a serious adverse event after a vaccination

- Understand what the vaccine is you are receiving and how it works. Write down any questions you may have and bring them to your appointment.

- Contact your local Blooms The Chemist to confirm the best time for you to come in for your vaccination. Once you book you will be asked to complete a pre-immunisation screening and consent form which will identify if you are eligible for your vaccination.

- On the day of your vaccination it is recommended that you wear a t-shirt or sleeveless shirt to allow easy access for the Pharmacist or Nurse to vaccinate the upper area of your arm.

- Please arrive five minutes before your appointment so the Pharmacist or Nurse can prepare for your vaccine.

Note: If you are feeling unwell on the day of your vaccination, give your Blooms The Chemist store a call so the Pharmacist can determine if you need to defer your vaccine.

A qualified, trained Pharmacist or Nurse will be providing you with your vaccination.

During your appointment, a Pharmacist or Nurse will welcome you into the vaccinating area. You will take a seat and the Pharmacist or Nurse will go through your pre-immunisation checklist and consent form to ensure the vaccination is safe for you. They will then administer your vaccination. This appointment should only take a couple of minutes.

After your vaccination, the Pharmacist or Nurse will provide you with information regarding your vaccination including which arm you had the vaccination in and the batch number of the vaccine. A record of your vaccination will be uploaded to the Australian Immunisation Register.

The Pharmacist or Nurse will ask you to wait in a specific observation area of the pharmacy for 15 minutes following the vaccination. One of the trained pharmacy staff will be monitoring you for any adverse events following your vaccination. If you feel unwell, please inform the staff member immediately.

After your vaccination you may experience minor adverse events including injection site reactions such as:

- Pain

- Redness

- Itching

- Swelling

- Burning

Injection site reactions are usually mild and can last 1-2 days. Other common side effects which do not generally require treatment are:

- Injection site nodules – this may occur due to your body’s interaction with vaccine components in the muscle¹. Nodules may last for many weeks after your vaccination

- Low-grade fever and tiredness

If you are concerned about any adverse event, please speak to your Doctor or Pharmacist.

The cost of each vaccine varies. Please call your local Blooms The Chemist store for prices.

Some vaccines are covered by the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The NIP provides free vaccinations to people of certain age groups or if you have a particular medical condition. If you are eligible for free vaccines under the NIP, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before booking your appointment.

For more information on immunisation and vaccination, visit:

• Australian Immunisation Handbook
• Centres for Disease Control and Prevention – Vaccines: The Basics
• National Immunisation Program 

State and Territory Immunisation Websites

•  ACT   NT   NSW   QLD   TAS   VIC  WA