The following is information about where to get a COVID-19 vaccination in the OM PHU catchment. Please note, the following information is correct at the time of publishing. Please check with the provider about vaccine availability.
Alternatively, you can try the Australian Government's Vaccine Finder website by clicking here
ALPINE SHIRE
INDIGO SHIRE
TOWONG SHIRE
WANGARATTA
WODONGA
Getting vaccinated protects you from getting seriously ill with COVID-19.
Immunity wanes over time so get your booster dose now to get added protection ahead of winter.
A bivalent vaccine targeting the omicron variant is available for everyone aged 18 and above.
Even if you had COVID-19, you should still get vaccinated. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against the virus.
Who can get vaccinated
Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends the 2023 booster dose for people at higher risk of severe illness, including:
The 2023 booster dose is available for:
ATAGI recommends 2 doses as a primary course for:
At risk adults and children include those with a disability, severely compromised immune system and complex or multiple health conditions, which increase their risk of severe COVID-19.
You may need additional doses based on your medical condition. Please speak to your GP for more information.
Where to get a vaccination
See above on our website for information across the OM PHU catchment.
After your vaccination
You might have side effects such as pain where you had the needle, tiredness, muscle aches, fever or chill and joint pain. Side effects are normal and a sign that the vaccine is working. They are usually mild and go away after a day or two.
Serious side effects are very rare. Contact your doctor if you are worried, or if any side effects have not gone away after a few days.
PCR tests
RA Tests
RAT Collection Points For further details or other Victorian shires please visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-a-covid-19-test
RAT Collection Points (for the Ovens and Murray Public Health Unit catchment area) For further details or other Victorian shires please visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-a-covid-19-test
The following is information about where to get a flu vaccination in the OM PHU catchment. Please note, the following information is correct at the time of publishing. Please check with the provider about vaccine availability.
Influenza immunisation provides protection against influenza and helps reduce the number of infections and deaths. Good hand hygiene, cough etiquette and staying home when unwell also help prevent the spread of influenza.
Influenza (flu) is caused by a highly contagious virus that is spread by contact with fluids from coughs and sneezes. Every year, the flu causes widespread illness in the community.
During 2023, amidst the fourth year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, continued seasonal flu activity is anticipated as borders remain open and interstate and international travel increases.
Vaccination is key to protecting yourself and those around you from the flu.
Who should be immunised against the flu?
Immunisation against the flu is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.
Some people with underlying medical conditions or reduced immunity are more at risk of complications from the flu and are eligible for free vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). They include:
Annual flu vaccine is also recommended (but not necessarily free) for other people such as:
Speak to your immunisation provider to see if you are eligible for a free flu vaccine.
People not eligible for free flu vaccination under the NIP can purchase the flu vaccine from their immunisation provider.
The following is information about where to get a Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccination in the OM PHU catchment. Please note, the following information is correct at the time of publishing. Please check with the provider about vaccine availability. Some Councils are also immunising against JEV. See their website for local information.
JE vaccinations are provided free to eligible Victorians by councils and Local Public Health Units
You are eligible for JE vaccination no matter where you live if you:
Some other providers including GPs and pharmacies may charge an administration fee, so ask about out-of-pocket costs.
In Victoria, the mpox vaccine (JYNNEOS® vaccine) is available free-of-charge for eligible people who meet any of the following criteria.
Eligibility criteria
Vaccination may also be considered for healthcare workers at higher risk of exposure to patients with mpox, including primary care, sexual health clinics, hospital staff and others, based on local risk assessments. The risk of transmission should be also minimised by using infection control measures.
Two doses are required for optimal protection and can be given 28 days apart. The mpox vaccine takes approximately 14 days before it is effective.
For more information on vaccination, see Victorian mpox (monkeypox) vaccination program guidelines.
We provide the Jynneos vaccine.
We encourage you to read more and fill out the consent form at https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022/08/monkeypox-mpx-consent-form-for-jynneos-vaccination.pdf