COVID-19 vaccines

The NSW Government wrote this fact sheet. 

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

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

We use pictures to explain some information. 

We have written some words in bold. 

This means the letters are thicker and darker.

We explain what these words mean.

You can ask for help to read this fact sheet. 

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

A vaccine is a type of medicine that:

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

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

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

• you

• your family

• the community. 

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

• are safe

• work well. 

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

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

But it’s more important if you: 

•  have a disability

• have serious health problems

• are over 50 years old.

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

• pregnant 

• breastfeeding

• trying to have a baby.

The COVID-19 vaccine won’t hurt you or your baby.

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

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

• fever

• headache

•  sore arm.

These side effects:

• won’t make you very sick

• might last up to 3 days.

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

• your doctor

• the Disability Gateway.

1800 643 787

Call Triple Zero if you:

• can’t breathe 

• can’t stand up 

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

• feel dizzy or confused. 

000

COVID-19 vaccines for children 

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

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

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

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe for children. 

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

• your child

• you

• other people your child comes into contact with. 

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

• when you book the appointment 

• at the appointment. 

• at a NSW Health vaccination clinic

• from your doctor

• at a pharmacy.

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

You can call: 

• your doctor

• the Disability Gateway.

1800 643 787

• the Service NSW COVID-19 Helpline.

13 77 88

You can go to our website.

www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19