Hi, I'm Alex and I want to help you get ready for your COVID-19 shot and appointment. You might have heard about the COVID-19 vaccine. This video will help you get ready for your appointment.
Remember, you can talk to your doctor if you have any questions about the vaccine. You can ask about how the vaccine might affect other health problems you have, what risks there are, how the vaccine could help, which vaccine you will get or any other questions you have.
Once you have an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine, there are things you can do to be ready. If you want support, tell a support worker, friend or carer about the appointment and how they can help. If you need transport to your appointment, ask your service provider or a support person to help. If you need a ramp to access the clinic or need an interpreter such as an Auslan interpreter, it's a good idea to contact the clinic before your appointment to let them know. You can ask someone else to call the clinic for you.
Giving your consent to get vaccinated is important. If someone supports you to make decisions, you can talk to them about giving your consent to have the vaccine. There is a form you can fill out together and bring to your appointment.
On the day of your appointment, there are a few things you need to bring with you. Your photo ID, such as your driver's licence or Companion card. Your Medicare card. A work ID, if you're having the vaccination because of your job, including if you are a carer or a healthcare worker. A printout of your appointment email, if you have one. The name of your GP or any specialist doctor you see, if you're not getting your vaccination from them. Information about any medical conditions you have and medications you're taking. Information about any vaccine you've had in the past 14 days. Having this information ready will make it easier on the day. Your family support worker or carer can help get all this organised before your appointment.
If you feel unwell on the day of your appointment, you or the person supporting you, can change your booking for a day when you feel better. While you're unwell, make sure to keep up COVID safe behaviours, such as washing hands regularly, social distancing, staying at home or getting a COVID-19 test if you have any symptoms.
So, now you should know more about how to prepare for your vaccination appointment. Remember, you can always talk to your GP or the people who support you if you have any concerns or questions about getting the vaccine.