Your Guide To Getting Ahead Of COVID-19 In Western Australia
With the recent news that Western Australia will drop its borders to all states come February at the latest, the next few weeks are crucial to ensuring we get vaccinated sooner rather than later. Fortunately, for you, it’s never been easier to get out there and get it done, with a diverse array of locations across the State administering vaccines, including GPs, pharmacies, GP respiratory clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services and Community Clinics.
Below you’ll find a little primer on COVID-19 vaccines that’ll hopefully allay any fears you may have around getting the jab, along with where to get yours and how to book, or skip ahead to the Roll Up For WA website to book in your vax right now. Alternatively, you can walk in without an appointment to any of the community clinics across the state.
Common Myths
A few common myths surrounding COVID-19 – and why they are indeed only myths – are cleared up below:
– Vaccines do not contain a live version of the virus, and can’t give you COVID-19 – they are pretending to be the real virus to help teach your body how to defend itself, in the process helping to stop you from getting extremely sick, having to go to hospital and/or potentially dying from the virus.
– The vaccines do not contain microchips – microchips can not fit through a vaccine needle, something based on fake YouTube videos.
– COVID-19 vaccines can’t change your DNA – they deliver instructions to your cells to build immunity against the coronavirus, which doesn’t happen in the areas of your cells where DNA is.
– None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently under review by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) cause infertility. The TGA can and will only approve vaccines if they are safe and effective.
“I’m young and healthy why get the vaccine if it won’t even stop me getting or spreading the virus?”
Outside of getting vaccinated sooner to speed up the process of opening WA up to the rest of the world, here’s a list of reasons why getting the vaccine is a GOOD thing:
– protecting yourself against severe illness and death from COVID-19;
– preventing complications such as ‘long COVID’;
– protecting those who can’t be vaccinated, such as younger children;
– slowing the spread of the virus;
– keeping hospitalisation rates at a level our health system can cope with;
– so you won’t be prevented from living a free life in WA.
Safety
The arrival of COVID-19 forced the world to work together like never before and receive more money than usual from governments, which has allowed scientists to complete years of work in months. While this speed is a source of concern for some, the vaccines are only allowed in Australia following testing to be found safe and effective, along with constant monitoring for safety.
Effectiveness
Clinical trials combined with on-going real world data for approved COVID-19 vaccines have shown they are safe and effective in preventing symptomatic illness, including severe COVID-19 disease and hospitalisation. They’re also providing good protection against new strains, working to create a broader immune response.
Possible Side Effects
If you know someone who’s had their jab already, there’s a chance they’ve experienced some side effects, which is normal for most vaccines – it’s generally a sign that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. Side effects associated with the COVID-19 vaccine usually last no more than a couple of days, are generally mild and include: pain, redness and/or swelling where you received the needle; headache; fatigue; muscle and/or joint ache; and mild fever.
Serious allergic reactions, while extremely rare, do occur and you are always encouraged to consult with your GP, or if you deem it serious/life-threatening enough, call 000 for an ambulance to go straight to the Emergency Department.
Where to get vaccinated
There’s plenty of options for places to get vaccinated, and some you don’t even have to book:
Community Clinics
The quickest and easiest way to get your first or second dose is at a Metropolitan or Regional Community Clinic. You don’t have to book in advance at one of these locations, although priority will be given for those who do. Major locations include:
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Claremont Showgrounds
Lakeside Joondalup
Kwinana Supa Centre
Midland
Mirrabooka
Armadale
Carramar
Bunbury
Mandurah
Albany
Canning Vale
Ellenbrook
For a full rundown of regional clinics head to this page on the Department Of Health Website.
GPs, GP Respiratory Clinics and Aboriginal Medical Services
You can book your vaccination at participating GPs, GP respiratory clinics and Aboriginal Medical Services. Find your nearest location by following the steps on the Government’s Vaccine Clinic Finder page.
Pharmacies
COVID-19 vaccinations are available at many participating community pharmacies – find your closest participating pharmacy when booking online.
Search “Roll up for WA” to get more information on COVID-19 vaccines or head to the Roll Up For WA Website.
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