HHMP Vaccine Clinic: 2023 COVID-19 & Influenza (Flu)
Available Vaccines
- Pfizer (from 5 years of age), Pfizer Bivalent
- Moderna Bivalent (from 18 years of age)
- Novovax (from 18 years of age)
- Astra Zeneca vaccine has been superseded and is no longer offered
Boosters, Boosters... Boosters!
- For those above 18
- 6+ Months after COVID-19 Infection
- 6+ Months after previous booster
- Especially important for those at high risk
We are a vaccination provider
Having a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine protects our community against coronavirus. ATAGI recommendations had been for everyone above 12 to be vaccinated unless specific contraindications exist. From January 2022 Children from 5-12 became eligible. COVID-19 vaccines help prevent serious illness and death from COVID-19.
During the Flu season an Influenza vaccine helps decrease Influenza risk. They are widely available and are recommended for everyone in Australia without allergies or other complications. Flu vaccination is free for those over 65, under 5, pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions.
Hunters Hill Medical Practice is an approved COVID-19 and flu vaccine provider. We have capacity of offer: Pfizer (from 5 years of age up ), Moderna (from 18 years of age) and Novavax (from 18 years if age and up) COVID-19 vaccines. We also offer Influenza/Flu vaccines for all ages. Bookings can be made using the BOOK NOW buttons or by calling 9817 2080.
Boosters
The primary course of vaccination and booster dosing depends on your immune status.
- General Population: All adults (above 18 years of age) can now have a 2023 booster if it has been at least 6 months since their previous booster or since their latest COVID-19 infection.
- Immunocompromised: Patients over 12 years of age with poor immune function due to medical conditions or medications will need an extra booster when compared to the general population. A good way to understand this is that in the immunocompromised you need 3 doses to give the same level of immunity that those with a normal immune system can achieve with 2 doses.
If you are unsure, please book a consult to discuss with your doctor.
How vaccines work
Vaccine rollout
COVID-19 vaccinations are voluntary and free.
It is important for everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible. It is especially important for high risk groups such as those listed below:
- All patients over 70 years of age
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
- Patients above 12 years with serious medical conditions
- Health care workers
- Adults with a disability
- Critical and high risk workers eg: police, fire
For those who have completed their primary vaccination course we can offer them a 2023 booster at least 6 months from their previous vaccinator or infection. The bivalent vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) are ATAGI recommended and offer the best protection.
If you are ready to book, you can book online using the “Book Now” buttons or by calling us.
Different vaccines, different timing
Pfizer COVID-19 Bivalent m-RNA vaccine.
Novavax COVID-19 not an mRNA vaccine.
Moderna Bivalent m-RNA vaccine.
Influenza / Flu vaccine given during the influenza season.
Preparing for your vaccination
Before your vaccination appointment, you should make sure your details are up to date with Medicare. This is very important as the vaccine data from our system is uploaded to the national system each night and if your data is incorrect, it may take longer for your vaccination to become visible.
Please click the BOOK NOW button to find an appointment. When you see an appointment online, there is a dose reserved for that appointment.
Current HHMP patients, already have details on file. We would appreciate it if you could please review, download, print, complete and bring with you the consent form available below.
New patients to HHMP, welcome. Please do the following:
- Book online and complete your details; or download below.
- Bring with you a health summary from your current GP.
- Preferably, review, download, print, complete and bring with you the consent form available below.
Please call us ASAP and reschedule your appointment if:
- you are feeling unwell with fever, cough, runny nose or other COVID-19 symptoms
- you are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or have tested positive for COVID-19
- if you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19
- if you are in quarantine
- IF YOU HAVE TESTED POSITIVE TO COVID, your immunity has increased from the infection. Current recommendations are to delay your vaccine by 6 months.
VACCINE CLINIC IS NOT A NORMAL CONSULT
COVID-19 or Flu vaccination at the HHMP vaccine clinic are by pre-booked appointments only. Due to the vaccine being delivered in multi-dose vials, your usual GP will not have access to the COVID-19 vaccine in their rooms.
By its nature, a vaccine clinic is about safely vaccinating the highest number of people as quickly as possible. The vaccine clinic is for people who are ready for vaccination; to check eligibility and get vaccinated safely.
The vaccine clinic is not for long discussions about vaccination generally or specific news media report or repeat scripts or quick referrals etc. If you are unsure about your readiness to be vaccinated, we understand that and believe you should have your questions fully answered by the doctor you most trust. So, please make an appointment to see your usual GP at HHMP or elsewhere. After all your questions are addressed, we welcome you to book into our vaccine clinic.
This speed of the vaccine clinic is also relevant for children’s vaccines. Please make sure that you and your child are ready for them to be vaccinated before attending the clinic in order to ensure a safe, timely and minimally distressing experience for you and your child.
Children 5-12 COVID-19 vaccination
Children aged 5-12 can be vaccinated. Special formulations with lower doses (when compared to the adult vaccine) have been created. As there are different vaccines on the market the timing may differ slightly, please discuss the best possible timing with our nurse.
The vaccines have been extensively tested worldwide before Australian approval. It was felt that the combination of the lower doses and the longer interval between doses helped to mitigate the side effects.
Please remember the vaccine clinic runs to strict timing to be able to get through the highest number of kids safely and efficiently. If you are unsure about vaccinating your child please discuss this with your doctor. When you attend the vaccine clinic please make sure both you and your child are ready for vaccination. Simple things can help for example short sleeve shirts, completion of the consent form beforehand and discussing any questions with your doctor.
THE FOLLOWING CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED AT THE VACCINE CLINIC
- Vaccination in GP rooms as vaccine comes in multi-dose vials
- Vaccination for those who do not meet eligibility criteria
- Vaccination for new patients without a health summary from their usual GP (this is needed for safety)
- Medical certificates
- Scripts
- Referrals
- Messages to your doctor for scripts or referrals
- Home visits for COVID-19 vaccination
At the COVID-19 vaccine clinic
Vaccination will mostly occur on the first floor at the vaccine clinic or downstairs in the treatment room. For the upstairs Vaccine Clinic, stairs from Ryde Road and a lift from the Ryde Road side of the practice are available. Please keep an eye out for signs directing you, which may depend on the day and time.
After vaccination, you will need to be monitored for 15 minutes (longer for those with allergies) to make sure you do not get any reactions. Please follow staff directions regarding waiting areas.
After your vaccination
Following vaccination, you will need to be monitored for possible reactions.
- 15 minutes for most patients
- 30 minutes for those with allergies or at higher risk
When your wait time is over, you are free to go. If any follow up appointments are needed these will be organised by the nurse.
When you get home you may be a little tired for a few days. If you have any serious reactions, please let us know.
COVID-19 vaccine is free
The vaccine is government funded and thus free.
There is no need for payment.
Flu vaccine is free for eligible people
The vaccine is government funded and free to those over 65, under 5, pregnant women or those with serious chronic conditions (gov. criteria).
Others are considered private and will pay $30.
POST VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS
Side effects are not uncommon following any vaccination. These are usually minor and normally resolve within a few days. Please see the “After your vaccine” information sheet on the right.
You can use the COVID-19 vaccine side effects symptom checker if you have concerns about any symptoms after your vaccine. The checker is also available through the National Coronavirus Helpline, 1800 020 080, 24 hours a day.
DO YOU NEED AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DOCTOR?
If you are unsure about getting the COVID-19 vaccine or are worried about side effects after vaccination, ask your doctor for advice. Please book online or call us if you would like to make an appointment.
REPORTING COVID-19 SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TGA
If you think a COVID-19 vaccine has caused a side effect, you can report it. Reports of suspected side effects help the TGA monitor COVID-19 vaccine safety. Please visit the TGA website to find out how.
PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES
WHICH VACCINE?
ARE YOU BETWEEN 5-12 YEARS OLD?
HHMP offers the Pfizer mRNA children’s formulation vaccine. If you are unsure about vaccination, please book an appointment to see your doctor or if you are ready to be vaccinated please make an appointment in the vaccine clinic via the BOOK NOW button.
ARE YOU OVER 12 YEARS OLD?
HHMP can offer Pfizer, Moderna or Novovax vaccines. If unsure, please discuss this with our nurse.
If you are considering getting vaccinated now but are unsure about your vaccination choices, please book an appointment with your doctor to discuss the risks vs benefits and make an informed decision. If you are ready to be vaccinated with Pfizer or Novovax please make a booking at the vaccine clinic using the BOOK NOW button or by calling reception.
