It is important to remember that being vaccinated in Australia is a choice. Whether you choose to get vaccinated or not, you should be aware that each state and territory government is preparing to move to a model where only those fully vaccinated will be allowed to participate in a range of activities. This may include in work settings.
This means that those who are not vaccinated may not be able to participate in certain activities in an effort to protect the broader community from the spread of COVID-19. Understandably this is going to take some adjustment over the coming months and specific details are yet to be fully documented for most states and territories.
Hutchies will continue to abide by all territory, state and federal government requirements and will communicate those to you as they become known.
In the meantime, we can look to NSW for an indication of how this may occur, as the State has released its roadmap to freedom for when its adult population achieves 70% double dose.
Vaccines are available
The Australian Federal Government, together with each state & territory leader, have agreed on a plan out of the pandemic once vaccination rates reach certain thresholds.
The plan contains the following milestones:
- When 70% of Australia's adult population is fully vaccinated we will see less restrictions, with an emphasis on preventing serious illness from the virus
- When 80% of Australia's adult population is fully vaccinated we should see further removal of restrictions, with an emphasis on preventing hospitalisation from the virus
Additionally, all states and territories will be able to determine the settings in their jurisdiction depending on what is occurring in that location at the time.
A lot of Hutchies’ people have already been vaccinated, including the directors. Feel free to ask around or contact the Coronavirus Team about their experiences if you have any questions.
For anyone who wishes to get vaccinated, there are now more options than ever to do so.
One of the quickest ways to find your nearest appointment is using the National Vaccine Eligibility Tool, which asks a series of questions before taking you to a specific booking page. Below is a state by state breakdown for other options.
Steps to get vaccinated
- Check your eligibility online and book / find a walk in clinic / pharmacy / GP
- Make sure you wear a short sleeve shirt and your mask to your vaccination appointment
- When you arrive you may need to present your Medicare card / ID / booking confirmation
- You will then receive your vaccination from a health worker
- After having your vaccine, you will need to wait 15 minutes to make sure you do not have a reaction
- Before you leave, check if you can make your second dose booking on the spot
- Once you’ve got both doses, a few days later you can download your COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate from the Medicare Express app / through myGov
New South Wales
At current vaccination rates, NSW should achieve:
- 70% of its eligible population fully vaccinated by Oct 9
- 80% of its eligible population fully vaccinated by Oct 20
AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines are available. More info:
| Doctors / pharmacies | Walk in clinics | State run hubs |
|---|---|---|
| AstraZeneca & Pfizer available for anyone aged over 18+ | AstraZeneca available for anyone aged over 18+. No booking required. | Pfizer available for those aged 12 to 59. Must be booked. |
| Make a booking here | Find a location here | Make a booking here |
Queensland
At current vaccination rates, Queenland should achieve:
- 70% of its eligible population fully vaccinated by Nov 14
- 80% of its eligible population fully vaccinated by Dec 4
AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines are available. Queensland has just announced that it will allow those 60+ to get vaccinated with Pfizer. More info:
| Doctors / pharmacies | Walk in clinics | State run hubs |
|---|---|---|
| AstraZeneca & Pfizer available for anyone aged over 18+ | Pfizer available for anyone aged 12 to 59. No booking required. | Pfizer available for those aged 12+. Must be booked. |
| Make a booking here | Find a location here | Register here |
South Australia
At current vaccination rates, SA should achieve:
- 70% of its eligible population fully vaccinated by Nov 10
- 80% of its eligible population fully vaccinated by Nov 30
AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines are available. More info:
| Doctors / pharmacies | Walk in clinics | State run hubs |
|---|---|---|
| AstraZeneca & Pfizer available for anyone aged over 18+ | Walk ins are not being offered in South Australia at this stage. | Pfizer available for those aged 16 to 59. Must be booked. |
| Make a booking here | Make a booking here | Register here |
Tasmania
At current vaccination rates, Tasmania should achieve:
- 70% of its eligible population fully vaccinated by Oct 28
- 80% of its eligible population fully vaccinated by Nov 19
AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines are available. More info:
| Doctors / pharmacies | Walk in clinics | State run hubs |
|---|---|---|
| AstraZeneca available for anyone aged over 60+ | Walk ins are not being offered in Tasmania at this stage. | Pfizer available for those aged 12-59. Must be booked. |
| Make a booking here | Make a booking here | Register here |
Victoria
At current vaccination rates, Victoria should achieve:
- 70% of its eligible population fully vaccinated by Nov 17
- 80% of its eligible population fully vaccinated by Dec 10
Today it was announced by the Victorian Government that construction workers in the state will be required to have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Thursday September 23 or they will not be allowed to work.
Hutchies is urgently seeking clarification around this new requirement and will provide further information with our Victorian teams once known.
Victoria is currently running a construction worker vaccine blitz until 19 September.
- 20,000 priority access Pfizer appointments are available for construction workers at vaccination centres across Victoria.
- Priority bookings can be made by calling the National Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
- Construction workers aged 60 years and over will receive AstraZeneca.
- Workers aged under 60 years can get either Pfizer or AstraZeneca.
- Family members of workers are not eligible for priority appointments.
AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines are available. More info:
| Doctors / pharmacies | Walk in clinics | State run hubs |
|---|---|---|
| AstraZeneca & Pfizer available for anyone aged over 18+ | Pfizer available for anyone aged 12-59. No booking required. | Pfizer available for those aged 12-59. Must be booked. |
| Make a booking here | Find a location here | Register here |
Hutchies encourages everyone to get the vaccination during work hours if required. Speak with your Team Leader to work out a suitable plan.
If you become unwell following your vaccination (which is common), you can also access sick leave if required.
Side effects
Minor side effects after being vaccinated are normal. Most people will experience one or more of the following:
- pain, redness and / or swelling where you received the needle
- mild fever
- headache
These side effects can be a sign that your body is building its defences.
Serious / allergic reactions are extremely rare. They usually occur within 15 minutes of receiving a vaccine. If you do have concerns, do not hesitate to visit your GP or hospital for assistance.
If you have questions about side effects, you can contact the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080, 24 hours a day or visit the COVID-19 vaccine side effect checker.