Accessible COVID-19 Vaccine: Services Available in Queensland, Australia
Coolangatta Medical Centre is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services to the Gold Coast community. With a steadfast commitment to holistic health and well-being, our vaccination clinic in Gold Coast, QLD offers extensive vaccination services to protect the members of the community from various diseases, including COVID-19. Through our immunisation efforts, our goal is to reduce transmission and ensure everyone can protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19.
What Is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It spreads through respiratory droplets or tiny airborne particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks near others.
Most people infected with the virus experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without hospitalisation, which commonly include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of taste and smell
Some cases, however, require urgent medical attention due to severe symptoms. If you or someone you know experiences the following symptoms, call an emergency right away.
- Difficulty breathing
- Less than 92% oxygen level
- Blue lips or face
- Pain or pressure in the chest
- Fainting
- Confusion
- Little or no urine output
- Cough with blood
While COVID-19 can affect anyone and cause serious illness or death regardless of age, some are more susceptible to severe outcomes. This includes older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease, or cancer. These groups are at higher risk of experiencing complications from COVID-19 and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to prevent hospitalisation and reduce the likelihood of severe illness.
Book Appointment
or
Call (07) 5599 1400
More About Us!
Clinic Hours:
- Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5pm
- Saturday 8:30am – 2.30pm
- Sunday 9:00am – 12.00pm
- Public Holidays – Please call the centre for more information.
Email us: office@coolmedical.com.au
Find us at 91 Griffith Street, Coolangatta, QLD
What are the recommended vaccinations for Australia?
Australia is a country with many unique experiences to offer for travellers across the globe. From the lush wildlife and large, modern cities, Australia’s size and endless multi-faceted opportunities make it a popular destination for adventures and relaxation. Just like any other travel destination, it is important to set an appointment with your healthcare provider for any health tips or recommendations for vaccinations that you’ll be needing during your stay in Australia.
- Yellow Fever
- Cholera
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Malaria Medications
- Meningitis
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Pneumococcal
- Polio
- Rabies
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping cough
- Typhoid
- Chicken Pox
- Altitude advice
- COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 in Australia
The first case of COVID-19 in Australia was recorded in January 2020, and by November of the same year, it escalated into 28,000 cases with over 900 deaths. Victoria was the most affected by the pandemic, having a second wave of infections from July to October 2020 and bringing the state’s total number of cases to more than 20,000 with over 800 lives lost.
In October 2023, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer declared that COVID-19 is no longer a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS) in Australia, which means the disease doesn’t require high-level crisis management. However, it is important to note that COVID-19 remains a public health threat in Australia, especially for vulnerable populations who are at high risk of severe disease.
Overall, the health effects of COVID-19 in Australia were considered “less severe” than in other countries. However, many public and government officials stressed the need to implement strategies that ensure healthcare systems are prepared and appropriately resourced to manage future outbreaks and pandemics.1
Today, Australia has transitioned its focus to prevention, reducing transmission, and treating severe cases, hospitalisations, and fatalities. Part of this involves promoting vaccinations and maintaining public health measures.
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The Importance of the COVID-19 Vaccine
The coronavirus vaccine helps our bodies build up resistance to the virus that causes the disease by supplying “memory” T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes that will recognise and attack the virus. They do not use any live virus that can cause infection nor affect or interact with a person’s DNA.
With COVID-19 potentially causing long-term health conditions and death, vaccination becomes critical as it significantly helps in the prevention of these severe outcomes. Vaccinated individuals also minimise the likelihood of transmitting the virus to others, which reduces the overall spread of the virus. Widespread immunisation helps protect those who are unable to get vaccinated and ultimately achieve herd immunity in the community.2
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Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine at Coolangatta Medical Centre
In line with our commitment to making healthcare accessible and convenient, Coolangatta Medical Centre ensures a smooth and efficient process for getting your COVID-19 vaccine. Located at 91 Griffith Street, Coolangatta, our clinic provides COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Australia, including the recommended XBB.1.5 vaccines.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends the following vaccination schedule based on age group and risk status:
- 75 years old and above: every 6 months
- Adults aged 65 to 74 years: every 12 months and can consider a dose every 6 months
- Immunocompromised adults aged 18 to 64 years: every 12 months and can consider a dose every 6 months
- Adults aged 18 to 64 years: every 12 months
- Immunocompromised children and adolescents aged 5 to 17: every 12 months
Book your vaccination in Gold Coast here or call us at (07) 5599 1400. Our Coolangatta doctor and team are ready to assist you with any questions and ensure your vaccination experience is as comfortable and efficient as possible. See our COVID information at Gold Coast for more details.
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Our Team of GP Doctors
Take an active role in your health and let our team of doctors, dieticians, and nurses at Coolangatta Health Clinics help you achieve optimal health and COVID-19 prevention
Areas We Serve
Coolangatta Medical Centre offers extensive vaccination services for COVID-19 and other diseases in the following areas:
- Tweed Heads
- Tweed Heads South
- Tweed Heads West
- Bilinga
- Cobaki Lakes
- Tugun
Other Medical Services We Offer:
Apart from extensive vaccinations, Coolangatta Medical Centre offers a range of specialised services designed to ensure your holistic wellness. From preventive care to advanced diagnostics, our commitment to healthcare in QLD means you receive comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs.
Payment Methods:
Full fee upfront is payable on the day of your appointment and will be processed with a credit/debit card token provided at the time of booking.
Medicare rebate is processed for you on your behalf by the administration team and will go back into the account that you have nominated with Medicare within 24 to 48 hours. For more information about Medicare rebates, see our FAQs page.
Out of pocket fee is the amount of money that you will be out of pocket after Medicare has processed your rebate.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Common Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines)
What are the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?
- Like any vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects, most of which are mild and go away on their own within a few days. Common side effects may include:
- Pain at the injection spot
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Diarrhoea
The probability of experiencing any of these effects post-vaccination varies depending on the vaccine administered.
Can COVID-19 vaccines cause serious health problems?
- Anaphylaxis is a severe type of allergic reaction that can occur after any kind of vaccination. However, having anaphylaxis after immunisation is rare, with only approximately 5 cases per one million vaccine doses administered.
Are COVID-19 vaccines safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
- Multiple studies show that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine before and during pregnancy is safe for both the mum and the baby. According to some studies, COVID-19 vaccination may even help prevent pregnancy-related issues like stillbirths and preterm delivery.3
- Data also shows that COVID-19 vaccination is safe for breastfeeding mums and their babies with no reported severe reactions. In fact, studies show that breastfeeding mums who receive the vaccine develop antibodies in their breast milk, which then help protect their babies.3
Do COVID-19 vaccines prevent me from getting sick at all?
- While the vaccine does not prevent you from contracting COVID-19, it does reduce the risk of developing serious illnesses and complications that can cause hospitalisation and even death.
How long does COVID-19 vaccine protection last?
- Depending on the vaccine, most offer immunity against the virus for up to six months.
Do I need a booster shot?
- Yes, booster shots are highly recommended to enhance and prolong the immunity against COVID-19. Individual immunity wanes over time, and booster shots help “remind” your immune system how to respond to a virus or other pathogen.
Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
- You can get your COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots at Coolangatta Medical Centre on the Gold Coast, QLD.
Do I need to pay for a COVID-19 vaccine?
- COVID-19 vaccinations are free to everyone in Australia, including those without a Medicare card.
What are the different types of COVID-19 vaccines available?
- Currently, there are two vaccine types administered in Australia:3
- mRNA vaccine (Pfizer vaccine and Moderna vaccine)
- viral vector vaccine (AstraZeneca, also known as Vaxzevria vaccine)
Can I choose which vaccine I get?
- Vaccine availability may vary. However, in some cases, you may have the option to choose which vaccine you receive. Consult with your healthcare provider about your preferred vaccine.
What should I do after getting a COVID-19 vaccine?
- Monitor for any side effects, drink lots of water, and rest. Continue following the public health guidelines and wear masks as needed.
Can I still spread COVID-19 if I am vaccinated?
- While vaccines reduce the risk of transmission, you can still spread the virus, although with significantly fewer chances. Vaccinated individuals have a lower viral load, which is the amount of virus an infected person produces. This lessens the risk of transmitting the virus to others.