Vaccination

A vaccine is a safe way to protect people against serious illness from COVID-19. Just like the flu, it is important to get vaccinated to protect yourself, family, community and Elders. You won’t be forced to get the COVID-19 vaccination because it’s your choice to make but it is encouraged, so you can protect yourself and your mob.

For more, visit the Make the choice website.

All Australian children aged 5 years and older can now have the COVID-19 vaccine. The Queensland Children’s Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic is now vaccinating children 5 years and older.

Appointments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5-15 years are not required. However, you can book an appointment online if you wish – go to the Vaccine Eligibility Tracker (phone bookings not available) and choose ‘Queensland Children’s Hospital’.

Read our frequently asked questions below or have a yarn to your local health worker or GP to learn more.

Frequently asked questions

Can my child be vaccinated?

From 9 August 2021, the COVID-19 vaccine is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 12 and over. Children aged 5 to 11 years can also be vaccinated from 10 January 2022.

If you want to know more about the COVID-19 vaccine and to check if your child is up to date with their immunisations, speak to your doctor at the local health clinic. The doctor will help you make the right decision for you and your family.

The COVID-19 vaccine is voluntary and free. #MakeTheChoice

Is the COVID-19 vaccination safe?

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way of protecting yourself from getting really sick from COVID-19. While research show the vaccine is good and safe, like other medications you may have a mild reaction which should go away in a few days.

Talk to your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker or GP to understand the risks. They can help you make the right choice for your family.

When can parents or carers get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults have been identified as a priority group for the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out program. This is because they are more vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 if they already have a chronic disease such as respiratory illness, diabetes or renal disease.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 12 and over are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination from 9 August 2021. Children aged 5 to 11 years will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination from 10 January 2022.

Chat with your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service, GP, hospital service or respiratory clinic today to book an appointment. You can also book an appointment by registering online.

Where can I get vaccinated?

When you complete the vaccine eligibility checker, a map will show you the closest vaccine clinic to book an appointment.

The Children’s Health Queensland COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at the Queensland Children’s Hospital is now vaccinating children 5 years and older. Appointments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5-15 years are not required. However, you can book an appointment online if you wish, go to the Vaccine Eligibility Tracker and choose ‘Queensland Children’s Hospital’.

Clinic location:
Children’s Health Queensland COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
Ground Floor, Centre for Children’s Health Research
Corner of Raymond Terrace and Graham Street (opposite the Queensland Children’s Hospital), South Brisbane Qld 4101

More information

For the latest COVID-19 vaccine information call 134 COVID (13 42 68) or visit the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 vaccine website.

Will everyone have access to the vaccine – even if they live in remote areas?

Yes, COVID-19 vaccination is accessible to everyone in Australia over the age of 12. Children aged 5 to 11 years can also receive the vaccine from 10 January 2022. For some groups, such as children under 5, we need to wait for further trials. These trials will confirm safety of the vaccine before it becomes available to them.

The Australian Government is working closely with State and Territory Governments and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to ensure the vaccine is easily accessible to everyone.

There will be many sites across Queensland where the vaccine will be available. A lot of them will be in rural and remote locations. This includes sites such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services, GP-led respiratory clinics, GPs or state/territory health services/clinics or pharmacies.

If you live in a discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, you’ll be informed when a local vaccination hub has been established and is ready to give you your shot.

Further information about COVID-19 vaccines and the national rollout is available on the Australian Government Department of Health and Queensland Health websites.