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.
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.
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
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.
