We know that sometimes finding the information that is right for you can be overwhelming, and lead you down a confusing path so we decided to collate some helpful resources as well as share some important information that is relevant to young people to help them navigate the vaccination process.
If you require any support to help with booking a COVID-19 vaccination, talk to your headspace clinician or you can call headspace Geelong on (03) 5222 6690 to ask for assistance.
Translated resources and services are available via the Victorian Government, further information is available here.
Please note, that the following information might not be appropriate for everyone, we encourage young people to speak with a trusted adult or a health care professional regarding your individual needs and circumstances.
In this article, you will find information about COVID-19 Vaccines including:
- What Vaccines are available?
- Who is eligible?
- How to book
- Where you can go to get your vaccine
- Further information and resources on COVID 19 Vaccinations
What Vaccine is available for people aged 12 and over?
The Corminaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna) COVID-19 vaccines are approved and recommended for people aged 12 and older. They are free and available now. You are required to have two doses of the same vaccine over a period of time.
There are lots of reasons for young people to get vaccinated, including:
- protecting you from catching COVID-19
- reducing your risk of severe disease, long-term side effects or long COVID
- helping you get back to school, college or university
- reconnecting you with your family and friends
- getting you back to doing the things you love, like team sports, going to concerts, travel.
Vaccination protects you, and it also protects your:
- family
- friends
- schoolmates
- teammates
- workmates
Who is eligible to get vaccinated?
Anyone aged 12 years and over is now eligible to get vaccinated.
There are priority appointments available for young people in any at risk category, these include things like what you do for work, if you have pre-existing medical conditions (including mental health) or if you’re in a vulnerable population group. Up to date information on this can be found online here.
If you do fall into an at risk category, you may be eligible for a priority booking. We encourage you to call the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 to book a priority vaccine appointment. These appointments are available regularly at the Barwon Community Vaccination Hub.
You can also check with your GP or health care professional if you think you think you might fall into a priority group.
How to book:
You can book a vaccine appointment at a Victorian vaccination centre by:
- calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. For an interpreter, press 0. Call the hotline if you want to cancel an appointment.
- using the online booking system here.
- If you or the person that you are booking has a disability and needs additional support to get a COVID-19 vaccine, please contact the Barwon Health Disability Liaison Unit ph: 0434 856 014 or email DisabilityLiaisonOffice@barwonhealth.org.au to discuss ways to assist.
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to speak with their Doctor or to contact Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative who are delivering the vaccine to community members. Appointments can be made directly with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative by calling them on 5277 0044 or emailing vac.bookings@wathaurong.org.au
- You can also book a vaccine appointment at a participating doctor’s clinic, pharmacy or community health service through the vaccine clinic finder.
- More information on how to book is available here.
Where you can get vaccinated:
Barwon Health are running the regions state run vaccination hub, located at the old Ford Factory, 2-30 North Shore Rd, Norlane. It is advised to book an appointment before heading there. To book an appointment at the Barwon Health Community Vaccination Hub, head to the Barwon Health website.
Information on local GP clinics in Geelong and surrounding areas offering vaccines is available here.
You can also get vaccinated at some participating pharmacies. Head to the Find a Pharmacy website to see what is available in your local area.
Read this checklist on what you should do before you go to your appointment and remember to book in for your follow up vaccination appointment!
Medicare Cards – what if I don’t have one?
It’s okay if you don’t have a Medicare card, everyone is eligible to receive a free vaccination in Victoria. You’ll just need to go to a State run Vaccination Hub (for us, it's the Barwon Health one in Norlane), or if you’d prefer to go to your GP or a pharmacy, you’ll just need to apply for an Individual Healthcare Identifier number, details on how to do that are located here.
Consent:
Anyone aged 12-17 years will need consent from a parent or carer before getting their vaccine. There are some exemptions to this, for example – if you are deemed a mature minor, your GP can assist you to get vaccinated as long as they are comfortable that you understand your choice.
Resources & Advice for young people:
YACVIC (The Youth Advisory Council of Victoria) have created some great resources for young people on the following topics:
- Talking to a health professional before getting the vaccine
- How to talk to your family & friends about the vaccine
- How to book the vaccine
These are all free and available online at https://www.yacvic.org.au/resources/covid-vaccine/
The Australian Department of Health have developed a factsheet titled 'COVID-19 vaccine information for adolescents and parents or carers', it can be found online here.
Sources:
- Australia Government - Department of Health: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/
- Barwon Health: https://www.barwonhealth.org.au/coronavirus/
- State Government of Victoria: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/
- Youth Affairs Council Victoria: https://www.yacvic.org.au/resources/covid-vaccine/