Are the COVID vaccines safe? 

COVID vaccines have been developed without compromising quality, safety and effectiveness.

It may appear they have been developed very quickly, but researchers around the world have been working hard to develop COVID vaccines from the earliest stages of the pandemic.

They have been able to speed up development of vaccines thanks to the collaboration between them, scientists, manufacturers and distributors. The development and implementation planning phases have been run side-by side, instead of one after the other. This has been made possible because of unprecedented global funding. 

Providing access to safe and effective COVID vaccines for everyone in Australia is a priority for the Australian Government.

The TGA, have been rigorously assessing the COVID vaccines for safety, quality and effectiveness. They will continue to do this and update the recommendations as required. Once approved, each batch is also checked to make sure it meets the same quality standards. All these checks and balances ensure the vaccine you receive will be the safest and most appropriate option.
 

Why should I get my COVID vaccination at my local pharmacy?

Providing access to safe and effective COVID 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 Moonee Ponds Pharmacy will assist in speeding up the national rollout and may help relieve strain on other health service providers, like hospitals and GPs.
 

Which COVID vaccine will I get at Moonee Ponds Pharmacy?

Currently we are administering either AstraZeneca, Moderna & Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

Who should get a booster dose?
Booster doses are available to everyone 18 years and over who have had both doses of their primary course of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 3 months ago.

​

How long does it take for COVID AstraZeneca vaccine to work after receiving them?

Partial protection against COVID-19 may be achieved as soon as 22 days after the first dose. However, this protection is likely to be short lived unless a second dose is given, and all people are recommended to receive the second dose to provide optimal protection.
 

How much does the COVID vaccine cost?

The covid vaccine is free for people residing in Australia, including visa holders. 
 

Are there any side effects for the AstraZeneca vaccine?
The side effects from the vaccine is generally mild and short lived, with onset mostly within 1 day after vaccination and duration of approximately 1-2 days. 

Most commonly reported adversed events in the first week after vaccination were:

• tenderness at the injection site

• pain at the injection site

• headache

• tiredness

• muscle pain

• feeling unwell

• chills

• nausea

• fever

If you have any concerns, please talk to one of our pharmacists.

 

Are there any side effects for the Moderna vaccine?
You may experience some mild effects following vaccination. Most side effects last no more than a couple of days. 
Common side effects after the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine include:

• pain in the injection site

• tiredness and fatigue

• headache

• muscle or joint pain and stiffness

• fever and chills

What happens if I get an adverse reaction? 
All  pharmacists and pharmacy assistants are trained in recognising and treating adverse events. You will be asked to remain at the pharmacy for 15 minutes after your vaccination for observation and monitoring.