GenWest is a COVID-19 vaccination ambassador organisation. This means we’re assisting the Department of Health to distribute information about vaccinations.
COVID-19 vaccines help protect our community from getting very sick from the virus. Early evidence shows COVID-19 vaccines help reduce the spread of the virus. We need the vaccine to help end the pandemic, reduce the number of cases, and stop the virus from changing.
Everyone in Australia will be able to get the free vaccination when it’s their turn. You do not need a Medicare card if you get your vaccination at government vaccination clinics.
Every person living in Victoria aged 12 years and over is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine at a state-run vaccination centre.
- The Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine have been approved as safe for young people aged over 12 years old.
- People aged 16 to 17 will receive the Pfizer vaccine.
- People aged 18 to 59 will receive the Pfizer vaccine – or they can choose the AstraZeneca vaccine
- People aged 60 and over will continue to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is recommended for their age group
While the Pfizer vaccine is still the preferred vaccine for adults under 60, adults under 40 can now access the AstraZeneca vaccine if they choose, after consulting with their GP.
Resources in multiple languages
The Department of Health have a number of useful resource available in multiple languages, as well as easy English:
- How can I book a vaccination?
- Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
- What should I expect after receiving my vaccination?
- Who will get the COVID-19 vaccine, and where?
- What is the COVID-19 vaccine, and is it safe?
Covid-19 vaccination information for people affected by cancer
Cancer Australia has produced a range of resources about Covid-19 vaccines and cancer which have been translated into other languages.
Visit their website to view the resources:
Publications and resources for culturally and linguistically diverse people
COVID-19 latest information
COVID-19 overview of case numbers and statistics - updates about the current situation, latest case numbers and related information.
COVID-19 disease, symptoms, and variants - learn about COVID-19, how it spreads, who is at risk, what to do if you think you have it, and what resources and support are available to you.
Testing for COVID 19 - find out more about the types of tests available, how to get tested and what to do while you wait for your result.
Close contacts and household contacts
You are a close or household contact if you:
- live in the same house as someone who tests positive
- spent 4 hours or longer with someone in a home, or health or aged care environment
- are determined as one by your state or territory health department.
You don’t have to quarantine during this 7-day period if you:
- test negative using a rapid antigen test on 5 days of the 7-day period (with tests spaced at least 24 hours apart)
- wear a mask indoors when outside your home
- do not visit hospitals or care facilities
- notify your employer or education facility
More information
- Physical, mental and financial support
- Advice for groups at greater risk
- Is it true? Questions answered about COVID-19 vaccination
- Benefits of Vaccination and booking an appointment
- Staying up-to-date for your COVID-19 vaccines
- COVID-19 digital certificate
- Vaccination rollout statistics
- COVID-19 vaccination videos - Auslan
- COVID-19 vaccination information in your language
- COVID-19 related resources in multiple languages