Covid-19 Vaccine – Information for Patients
Bicton Medical Clinic is pleased to advise that we are an approved vaccination provider for COVID-19 vaccines. We are happy to help provide COVID-19 immunisation for our local area and the wider community.
Vaccination is recommended for everyone in Australia aged 5 years and over. Vaccination is also recommended for children aged 6 months to under 5 years who are severely immunocompromised, or have a disability, as well as those who have complex and/or multiple health conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19.
From February 2023 onwards, Bicton Medical Clinic will offer the 2023 booster dose every Monday and Thursday, subject to the availability of a practice nurse and patient demand. We will be using the Pfizer Bivalent BA.1 vaccine according to ATAGI recommendations.
Please call 08 9339 4744 to book your appointment now.
ATAGI 2023 Booster Advice
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Age | At risk | No risk factors |
<5 years | Not recommended | Not recommended |
5-17 years | Consider | Not recommended |
18-64 years | Recommended | Consider |
≥ 65 years | Recommended | Recommended |
Everyone in Australia should wait 6 months between a COVID-19 infection and their next recommended vaccine dose to optimise vaccine protection, taking the vaccine as soon as possible after 6 months. The gap between infection and vaccination is likely to lead to a better immune response and result in longer protection from reinfection. You may be vaccinated earlier than the recommended 6-month interval in exceptional circumstances, such as prior to starting an immunosuppressant or overseas travel. It is recommended you shouldn’t get any vaccine if you are acutely unwell.
If you have had COVID-19, you do not need to defer other vaccinations.
To receive the best protection against serious illness or death from COVID-19, you should still get all the recommended doses for your age and individual health needs. Boosters are important to maintain this protection.
Booster doses are free for everyone.
Over 65 million doses have been administered in Australia, with over 7 million of those coming from WA.
Serious or allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. They usually occur within 15 minutes of receiving a vaccine. Most potential side effects are mild and go away in a few days. Common reactions to vaccination include: pain, redness and/or swelling where you received the needle, mild fever and headaches. Very rarely, side effects might be more serious. You can check any symptoms you are experiencing through healthdirect’s symptom checker. If you have experienced a rare side effect you may be eligible for compensation under the COVID-19 vaccine injury compensation scheme.
Please do not come to your vaccination appointment:
- if you are feeling unwell with fever, cough, runny nose or other symptoms that could be from COVID-19
- if you are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or have tested positive for COVID-19
- if you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, or
- if you are in quarantine.
If you have had another vaccine in the 14 days before your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, please let us know as we may need to reschedule your appointment. If you cannot make it to your vaccination appointment, please contact us to arrange a new appointment.