COVID-19 vaccines

This is an Easy Read fact sheet about COVID-19 vaccines.

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The NSW Government wrote this fact sheet. 


When you see the word ‘we’, it means the 
NSW Government. 

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We have written this fact sheet in an easy to 
read way. 

We use pictures to explain some information. 

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We have written some words in bold

This means the letters are thicker and darker.

We explain what these words mean.

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You can ask for help to read this fact sheet. 


A friend, family member or support person 
may be able to help you.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

 

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vaccine is a type of medicine that:

 

  • helps people fight a virus if they come into contact with it

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  • can stop people from getting very sick from the virus.

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The COVID-19 vaccine is a safe way to protect: 

 

  • you

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  • your family

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  • the community. 

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In Australia, we only use vaccines if we know they: 

 

  • are safe

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  • work well. 

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COVID-19 vaccines are tested many times to make sure they are safe.

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Having a COVID-19 vaccine is important for everyone aged over 5. 

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But it’s more important if you: 

 

 

  •  have a disability

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  • have serious health problems

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  • are over 50 years old.

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The COVID-19 vaccine is safe for people who are:

 

  • pregnant 

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  • breastfeeding

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  • trying to have a baby.
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The COVID-19 vaccine won’t hurt you or your baby.

What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

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A side effect is something that happens to some people after they take medicine.

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You might get a side effect from the COVID-19 vaccine, such as a: 

 

  • fever

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  • headache

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  •  sore arm.

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These side effects:

 

  • won’t make you very sick

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  • might last up to 3 days.

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If you’re worried about your side effects, you can call:

 

  • your doctor

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  • the Disability Gateway.

1800 643 787

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Call Triple Zero if you:

 

  • can’t breathe 

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  • can’t stand up 

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  • feel pressure or pain in your chest that lasts more than 10 minutes 

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  • feel dizzy or confused. 

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COVID-19 vaccines for children 

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Most children who get COVID-19 don’t feel very sick. 

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But some children can get very sick from COVID-19. 

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Children who are 5 years or older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. 

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The COVID-19 vaccine is safe for children. 

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When more children have the COVID-19 vaccine, it helps protect:

 

 

  • your child

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  • you

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  • other people your child comes into contact with. 

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You need to say it’s okay for your child to have the COVID-19 vaccine:

 

  • when you book the appointment 

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  • at the appointment. 

Where can my child get a COVID-19 vaccine?

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  • at a NSW Health vaccination clinic

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  • from your doctor

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  • at a pharmacy.

What if I have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine?

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You can ask for help if you’re worried about your child having the COVID-19 vaccine. 

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You can call: 

 

  • your doctor

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  • the Disability Gateway.

1800 643 787

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  • the Service NSW COVID-19 Helpline.

 

13 77 88

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You can go to our website.


www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

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