COVID-19 Vaccinations

COVID-19 vaccine fact check

Were COVID-19 vaccines developed too quickly to be safe?

COVID-19 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-19 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.

Do COVID-19 vaccines contain a microchip or any kind of tracking technology?

None of the COVID-19 vaccines in development contain software or microchips. They cannot be used to track people.

Can COVID-19 vaccines alter my DNA?

No, COVID-19 vaccines do not alter your DNA. The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine uses a fragment of messenger RNA (mRNA) to instruct your body to make an immune response against COVID-19.

Can COVID-19 vaccines give you COVID-19?

None of the approved vaccines in Australia contain the live virus. This means they cannot give you COVID-19. Some of the side effects from COVID-19 vaccinations, such as fever and fatigue can mimic the symptoms of COVID-19. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. For specific advice about side effects from different doses of vaccines, ask your doctor or health care professional.

How much protection do I get when I’m fully vaccinated?

The vaccines’ effectiveness depends on how many doses someone has received, and what COVID-19 variant is circulating. It is currently recommended that people have two shots of Pfizer three weeks apart, or two shots of AstraZeneca 12 weeks apart, for maximum effect. Data suggests two shots of either the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccines reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death by more than 90 per cent against the original virus. And two doses of Pfizer provide around 94 per cent protection against symptoms, while two doses of AstraZeneca provide 82.4 per cent protection. Both vaccines also provide more than 90 per cent protection against hospitalisation for the highly transmissible Delta variant after two doses.

watch COVID-19 Vaccine health advice

Reliable health advice

In this video, immunologist Professor Ian Frazer provides reliable health advice about the COVID-19 vaccines in Australia.

Creating an immune response

In this video, immunologist Professor Ian Frazer discusses side effects from the COVID-19 vaccines.

Protecting against severe disease

Immunologist Professor Ian Frazer discusses the importance of the COVID-19 vaccines to protect against severe disease.

vaccinated get protected, get

The COVID-19 vaccination is available at DPV Health Medical Centres in Mill Park and Broadmeadows, Town Hall Broadmeadows pop-up site and other sites near you. We are taking bookings for those who are eligible. To make a booking at our vaccination pop-up sites, please CLICK HERE to view locations and operating times. Alternatively, call 1300 DPV VAX or dial 1300 378 829. To make a booking at our Medical Centres, call 1300 234 263 and select option 1. Latest update: Anyone aged 16-59 years can now receive the Pfizer vaccine. In addition, anyone aged 18-59 years will be able to choose to receive either Pfizer or AstraZeneca.

Those aged 60 and over will continue to receive AstraZeneca.

CLICK HERE to check, up to date eligibility criteria.