Key points about the COVID-19 vaccine

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Key points about the COVID-19 vaccines

For the latest COVID-19 vaccine updates please visit www.health.gov.au/covid19-vaccines.

The Australian Government Department of Health also has a dedicated site about the COVID-19 vaccine for people with disability.

  • In Australia COVID-19 vaccines are free.
  • The vaccines currently available in Australia are the Pfizer (Comirnaty) Astra Zeneca (Vaxzevria), Moderna (Spikevax) and the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) vaccines. 
  • The vaccines require two doses, given 3 or 4 weeks apart.
  • For people who are immunocompromised: if you have received three primary doses, it is also recommended to have a booster dose 3 months after your third dose, as well as a winter dose, depending on the timing of your vaccinations.
  • If you have been partially or fully vaccinated, you will still need to practice good hygiene and social distancing. This includes wearing masks if needed, depending on the location.
  • If you are concerned about the vaccine, talk to your GP or health care provider for more information.
  • If you have severe symptoms or reactions after you receive your vaccination, you should immediately seek help from a medical professional. 

Find out about the COVID-19 vaccines and how they work

COVID-19 vaccines and people with Down syndrome

People with Down syndrome have an increased risk of developing severe symptoms if they contract COVID-19, including hospitalisation.

It is advisable to talk to your GP or a health professional if you are uncertain about having the COVID-19 vaccine, and they will help you decide if it is the right decision for you or your family member with Down syndrome. 

Adults with Down syndrome, and children with Down syndrome 5 years and older are currently eligible to have a COVID-19 vaccination in Australia. 

From 5 September 2022, COVID-19 vaccination will be available for children aged 6 months to 4 years who are:

  • severely immunocompromised,
  • have a disability,
  • or have complex or multiple health conditions.

Read more about vaccines for children 6 months to 5 years here.

Resources and links

Information about COVID-19 vaccines is available on the Department of Health website. 

The Department of Health has published Information for people with disability about COVID-19 vaccines.

Read more about priority groups for the COVID-19 vaccines from the Department of Health here.

Australian Government, state and territory government helplines have information on how people with disability can access the vaccine:

Useful vaccine information

Preparing for your COVID-19 vaccination

After your COVID-19 vaccination

About Booster doses

About the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine

About the AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine

About the Moderna (Spikevax) vaccine

About the Novavax (Nuvaxovid) vaccine

What if a family member or guardian says no to a COVID-19 vaccine?

A guide for is available for disability support providers who support adults with intellectual disability.

 What if a substitute decision maker says no to COVID-19 vaccination? 

Other resources

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has developed resources, including consent forms, to help with providing informed consent to get a COVID-19 vaccination.

The Vaccine Eligibility Checker can be used to find or book a COVID-19 vaccination. (The Checker may provide general information, so please confirm your situation with your vaccine provider.)

Reputable information about vaccines is available from:

Information about the safety of the vaccine for people with Down syndrome is available from the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group USA.

The COVID-19 & Down Syndrome Resource is an international resource for people with Down syndrome and their families.

DSA released a 2021 statement on the COVID-19 vaccines.

Watch our latest videos about getting a COVID-19 vaccine here:

Last updated: 8 August 2022