COVID-19 Vaccine Information

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, first identified in late 2019. It primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. Symptoms can range from mild, such as fever, cough, and fatigue, to severe illness leading to pneumonia, respiratory failure, or death, particularly in older adults and people with underlying health conditions. The virus has caused a global pandemic, significantly impacting health systems, economies, and daily life. Vaccination, good hygiene, mask use, and physical distancing have been key strategies in reducing transmission and preventing severe outcomes.

Individuals should receive a COVID-19 booster:

Every six months if aged 65 years or older
Every six months if aged 18 years or older and severely immunocompromised
All other adults should receive a dose of COVID-19 vaccine once every 12 months.

The current COVID-19 vaccine targets the most recent strains of COVID-19 that are circulating in the community.

You will be assessed by a nurse immuniser prior to being offered the vaccine at your workplace clinic to check that this vaccine is both suitable and recommended for you at the time.

About the COVID-19 Vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine is a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine. This type of vaccine uses a genetic code called RNA to make your body’s cells produce the coronavirus’ specific spike protein. Your immune system cells then recognise the spike protein as a threat and builds an immune response against COVID-19. The RNA from the vaccine does not change your DNA in any way, and your body quickly breaks it down.

Benefits of vaccination

Very large clinical trials have shown that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing COVID-19. Adults who receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine are significantly less likely to experience severe illness from COVID-19 than people who did not receive a booster dose.

COVID-19 vaccination is safe and effective for:

People who are immunocompromised
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy.

Prior to getting vaccinated, please talk to your GP or our nurse at the clinic if you have had:

an allergic reaction or serious adverse event to a previous dose or to a component of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer)
anaphylaxis to other vaccines or to other medications
Confirmed mastocytosis with recurrent anaphylaxis that requires treatment
a bleeding disorder or you are taking a blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant)
Myocarditis and/or pericarditis after a previous COVID-19 vaccine
Recent (i.e. within the past 3 months) myocarditis or pericarditis
Acute rheumatic fever or acute rheumatic heart disease
Heart failure.

The VaxWorks 4-Step Process

Vaxworks Health Services provides a simple 4-step process to ensure a successful and efficiently run COVID-19 vaccination clinic at your workplace. We will work with you to optimise the size and timing of your clinic; look after the government approvals for your clinic/s on your behalf; and provide online bookings with email reminders and SMS alerts for your staff to make it easy to book their appointments.

STEP 1

Review the EOI and clinic pricing schedule that we provide for your consideration. When you respond to the EOI, VaxWorks will confirm your workplace meets government guidelines for a COVID-19 clinic and provide the tools to inform the size and timing of your clinic.

STEP 2

Promote the opportunity to get vaccinated to your staff using our online and other tools. VaxWorks will then recommend the optimal time to schedule your clinic and provide a detailed proposal for your consideration.

STEP 3

Once you accept our proposal, VaxWorks will arrange for approval, on your behalf, from the Australian Department of Health for your clinic, schedule your clinic and set up the appointments so your staff can book their appointments online.