COVID-19 Vaccine & COVID-19 Boosters

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Coronavirus is a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections, such as the common cold to more serious diseases, such as COVID-19¹.

¹National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, COVID-19 vaccines: Frequently Asked Questions, accessed 20 February 2023

There are a range of symptoms associated with COVID-19 that vary from mild, moderate or severe, which you can learn more about below¹:

Mild symptoms

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Aching muscles
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Loss of appetite
• No symptoms at all

Moderate symptoms

• Shortness of breath while walking around
• A persistent fever above 38^oC that doesn't respond to treatment
• Struggling to get out of bed
• Feeling weak and dizzy
• Reduced fluid intake (drinking) over the last 24 hours

Severe symptoms

• Being unconscious, fainting or drowsy
• Skin turning blue or pale
• Coughing up blood

Please note that if you are experiencing severe symptoms, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance and tell the ambulance staff you have COVID-19.

¹Healthdirect, Symptoms of COVID-19 and when to seek medical advice, accessed 20 February 2023

If you are experiencing symptoms, it is recommended that you do a PCR or a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT)¹.

A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is more sensitive and specific, which means it's able to detect low levels of the virus. PCR tests can take longer to analyse, but are referred to as the 'gold standard' when it comes to testing for COVID-19.

A Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) detect the presence of proteins in the virus and are more accurate when people are experiencing symptoms. They can be used anywhere, such as at home, but are generally less accurate than PCR tests.

¹Healthdirect, COVID-19 testing, accessed 20 February 2023

COVID-19 is spread between people in a variety of ways, including¹:

• Close contact with another person, which includes at a conversational distance
• Breathing in small liquid particles from someone who is infected when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe
• Poorly ventilated or crowded indoor settings where people spend longer periods of time
• Touching your nose, eyes or mouth after touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with COVID-19

¹World Health Organisation Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): How is it transmitted?, accessed 20 February 2023

Most people are able to manage their COVID-19 symptoms at home¹.

It is recommended that you should contact your General Practicioner (GP) if your symptoms have gotten worse.

If you are struggling with severe symptoms, such as being unable to breathe or coughing up blood, please contact triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

• ¹Healthdirect, Symptoms of COVID-19 and when to seek medical advice, accessed 20 February 2023

Blooms The Chemist pharmacies are providing three of the TGA approved COVID-19 vaccinations, which are:

• Novavax
• Moderna (Spikevax)
• Pfizer (Comirnaty)

Providing access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to everyone living in Australia seeking to be vaccinated is a key priority of the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Community pharmacies are a critical partner in achieving this goal and in providing comprehensive primary health care for people in Australia.

Receiving a vaccination at your local Blooms The Chemist will assist in speeding up the national rollout and may help relieve strain on other health service providers, like hospitals and GPs.

Once you arrive at the pharmacy for your appointment, a team member will ask you for your name and your Medicare Card. The team member will then assess your eligibility for the vaccination and be asked to complete a pre-screening form and a consent form.

After you’ve completed both forms, the pharmacist will invite you into the consult room for your vaccination.

After you’ve received your vaccination, you will be asked to wait in the dedicated observation area for 15 minutes. During the 15 minutes, the pharmacist staff will assist you in booking your second appointment and you will have a chance to read the post vaccination information leaflet.

Please bring your current Medicare Card and Photo ID to your appointment.

The vaccination service should take less than 30 minutes to complete, but the timeline depends on how long it takes you to complete the pre-screening and consent form.

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

No, it is not a requirement to have a Medicare card to get the vaccine but if you do have one, please bring it to your appointment.

No. The COVID-19 vaccination is free to everyone in Australia.

Our Pharmacists and vaccination team members are trained in recognising and treating severe reactions to vaccinations, known as adverse events.

Most reactions to the vaccination happen 15 minutes after you’ve received the vaccine, which is why our Pharmacists ask you to remain in the pharmacy for 15 minutes for observation and monitoring.

If you’re feeling unwell, please let our team members know immediately.

If you’re experiencing any severe reactions, including anaphylaxis or shortness of breath¹, call 000 to get immediate medical attention.

¹Health Direct, After The Vaccination, accessed 24 January 2023.

You may experience some minor side effects, including fever, chills, muscle pain and feeling tired from the vaccination.

However, your side effects may vary depending on the type of vaccine you received.

If you received the Novavax vaccine, some common side effects include nausea or vomiting and fever. Some less common side effects include muscle or joint pain, feeling generally unwell or headaches.

If you received the Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine, some common side effects include headaches, joint pain and fever and chills. Some less common side effects include enlarged lymph nodes and redness or swelling at the injection site¹.

If you received the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine, some common side effects include tiredness, muscle pain and pain or swelling at the injection site. Some less common side effects include insomnia, nausea and feeling unwell¹.

¹Healthdirect, After The Vaccination, accessed 24 January 2023.

Yes, children aged 5-11 years are eligible to receive the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine at selected pharmacies. For more information, please contact your local Blooms The Chemist pharmacy.