The COVID-19 vaccine rollout will happen in stages and eligible people can now book to receive a jab.

Queensland Health’s vaccine strategy is guided by the COVID-19 vaccine National roll-out strategy.

The rollout in Queensland aims to protect the community and maintain a robust health system. Every Queenslander who wants to be vaccinated will have that opportunity, however, some patience may be required.

Why get vaccinated?

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against infectious diseases. Vaccines strengthen your immune system by training it to recognise and fight against specific viruses. When you get vaccinated, you are protecting yourself and helping to protect the whole community.

What percentage of the population needs to get vaccinated before we achieve herd immunity?

The percentage changes depending on the disease and how effective the vaccine is at preventing transmission. Usually, 50% – 90% of a population needs to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. At least one Australian premier has set 80% COVID vaccine coverage as the benchmark for a return to relatively normal lives without lockdowns and the ability to travel.

Have the same type of jab

It is important to have both COVID vaccine doses of the same strain. If you start with Pfizer, make sure you have Pfizer for your second vaccine. The same goes for Astra Zeneca and any other brands of vaccine that may arrive here later in the year.

How long between vaccinations

The federal government’s expert vaccine advisory panel currently recommends the Pfizer vaccine is given three weeks apart.

People who’ve had their AstraZeneca jab are advised to wait 12 weeks before getting their second dose.

Who is eligible to book for a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine?

• The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine as the preferred vaccine for those aged 16 to 59 years.
• All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16-59 years
• People aged 16 and over with a specific underlying medical condition
  • Cancers and haematological diseases, currently or in the past;
  • Transplant recipients;
  • Chronic inflammatory conditions;
  • Immunodeficiency conditions;
  • Chronic kidney, liver, lung or neurological conditions or diabetes;
  • Severe obesity;
  • Heart disease and blood pressure disorders; and
  • Severe mental health conditions
• NDIS participants, their carers and support workers (aged 16 and over)
• Any worker in the following industries, aged 16 and over:
  • Aged care workers – this is now mandatory in order to continue to work;
  • Disability care workers;
  • Healthcare workers; and
  • Quarantine and border workers
• Critical and high-risk workers e.g. defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing
• Household contacts of quarantine workers, border workers, and healthcare workers who are at a higher risk of having contact with COVID-positive patients, regardless of age

Eligibility groups will be gradually opened based on specific criteria and by certain age groups, so Qld Health can manage the balance between vaccine availability and individual locations capacity.

Check your eligibility here.

Who is eligible for an AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine?

• People aged 60 years and over, unless they have a referral from their GP
• AstraZeneca vaccine can be provided to people over 18, with informed consent.
• Any person who has had a first dose of AstraZeneca, without any serious adverse events.

Who is not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine?

• Children under 16 years of age

How to book a vaccine appointment

Go to the Qld Government Health website.

Before leaving your first dose appointment, make sure you are booked in for your second dose appointment.

Allow around 45 mins for your appointment. This allows time for your patient screening, the actual vaccination and observation after the injection. Read more on the Qld Government Health website about what to expect at your COVID-19 vaccination.