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.

What is the COVID-19 vaccine?

 

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A vaccine is a type of medicine that:

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

What is the COVID-19 vaccine?

A vaccine is a type of medicine that:

man-is-happy-because-vaccine-fights-virus

 

  • 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.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

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

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  • you
group of people

 

  • your family
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  • the community.

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

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  • are safe
vaccines-work-well

 

  • 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.

But it’s more important if you:

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  • have a disability
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  • have serious health problems
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  • are over 50 years old.

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

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  • pregnant
safe-for-breastfeeding

 

 

  • breastfeeding
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  • trying to have a baby.
safe-for-your-baby

 

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

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

side-effects

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: 

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  • fever
vaccine-side-effects-may-include-headache

 

 

  • headache
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  • sore arm.
wont-make-you-sick

These side effects:

 

  • won't make you very sick
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  • might last up to 3 days.

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

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  • your doctor
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  • the Disability Gateway. 


1800 643 787

Call Triple Zero if you:

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  • 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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000

 

COVID-19 vaccines for children

most-kids-dont-get-sick

 

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

some-kids-may-get-sick

 

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

kids-over-5

 

 

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

vax-is-safe-for-kids

 

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:

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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

Download this page

COVID-19 vaccines fact sheet - Easy Read (Word 39KB)

COVID-19 vaccines fact sheet - Easy Read (PDF 3.5MB)

Return to COVID-19 Easy Read home page

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