Vaccine Rollout in Australia - personal accounts.

[kangarooflyer88]

A former colleague in their 40s in Sydney so thrilled this morning got a last minute Pfizer jab from the local GP - but the GP doesn't have any spare Pfizer slots for the second shot, so has to go now to find where else might have 2nd shot available.

The good news is there is plenty of Pfizer to go around in Greater Sydney in part due to the current outbreak.

For instance, there's a clinic in Rozelle offering 2nd dose appointments for Pfizer in 3 weeks time which I suspect would be a good fit for your colleague.

There are obviously tons more, and I would recommend checking out the HotDoc vaccine clinic finder website and spending a few minutes there to find a clinic in their area with the availability that works for them

Your Trusty,

KangarooFlyer88

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

The good news is there is plenty of Pfizer to go around in Greater Sydney in part due to the current outbreak.

For instance, there's a clinic in Rozelle offering 2nd dose appointments for Pfizer in 3 weeks time which I suspect would be a good fit for your colleague.

There are obviously tons more, and I would recommend checking out the HotDoc vaccine clinic finder website and spending a few minutes there to find a clinic in their area with the availability that works for them

Your Trusty,

KangarooFlyer88

Thanks. They found a second dose in the CBD at the Sonic Healthcare/Vaccination (hub?). They are a bit concerned since its location was essentially a small-tier epicentre in the not too distant past.

A problem with many places is that you have to be existing patient to book online.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I know this is not the right thread, but there is nowhere else that I could find, so please moderator move to the right place.

I want to give a huge shout out to the staff from ACT Health operating the COVID Testing Centre at the Canberra Showgrounds today in pouring rain, howling wind and 8 degree temperatures. I had occasion to get a test today, as I have what will certainly turn out to be the same cold that has affected my whole extended family this week (others got symptoms earlier and have all had negative COVID tests).

Every single one of them from first nurse handing out info and masks, to the security traffic directing staff, and then all those involved in paperwork and the actual testing were just wonderful. Polite, pleasant, professional, thanked us for waiting and for coming in for testing, and so very efficient. Thank you. I have submitted a feedback form to ACT govt to this effect as well, but I really hope one or more of you is an AFFer and gets a little boost from knowing that you were appreciated today.

While we're at it can we also thank the many clinics and GPs in the ACT providing the COVID jab right now? In particular, I share this tweet I saw that lists the numerous Pfizer and AZ clinics taking appointments right now for jabs this coming week.

-KangarooFlyer88

 

[JohnM]

That’s terrible - at the hubs you get given about 8 sheets of info, including what to look for in the way of clots. I would be putting in a complaint!

Nothing like that at the main Perth hub at Claremont Showgrounds.

No written information sheets handed out.

Also easy to walk straight out past the staff (security) person at the exit. Quite why he was there, I do not know - maybe to stop people coming in that way. Even if anyone had tried to stop me leaving immediately I would have ignored them.

That was the situation for my AZ #1 12 weeks ago and my #2 earlier this week.

Although maybe for current AZ #1 they now provide put the fear of God into people information - just in case the tabloid media hasn't done enough in that regard.

 

[Colin 2905]

I had my first Pfizer jab last Tuesday, at the relatively new facility near the Canberra airport. All very organised and efficient; about 25 minutes from go to whoa, including the 15 minutes of hanging around afterwards in case I keeled over.

For the second dose, the booking system seems to default to the first available appointment that's at least three weeks out, and allocated me one at 8.15pm on a Thursday. I was able to get that changed to the Friday afternoon, so that I can have it done on the way home from work.

No ill effects other than slightly sore at the injection site for a day or so, but that's pretty much what I expected. It's the second Pfizer shot that gets you, right?

 

[Flying mermaid]

Nothing like that at the main Perth hub at Claremont Showgrounds.

No written information sheets handed out.

Also easy to walk straight out past the staff (security) person at the exit. Quite why he was there, I do not know - maybe to stop people coming in that way. Even if anyone had tried to stop me leaving immediately I would have ignored them.

That was the situation for my AZ #1 12 weeks ago and my #2 earlier this week.

Although maybe for current AZ #1 they now provide put the fear of God into people information - just in case the tabloid media hasn't done enough in that regard.

This is one of the sheets from the information we were - seems to be a fed handout so no reason why anyone couldn’t use it. I have to admit I didn’t read it this time, as it was identical to the one we got for AZ1

 

[TheRealTMA]

This is one of the sheets from the information we were - seems to be a fed handout so no reason why anyone couldn’t use it. I have to admit I didn’t read it this time, as it was identical to the one we got for AZ1View attachment 253330View attachment 253339

Looks good. We got just one page with very limited information.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

This is one of the sheets from the information we were - seems to be a fed handout so no reason why anyone couldn’t use it. I have to admit I didn’t read it this time, as it was identical to the one we got for AZ1View attachment 253330View attachment 253339

Did not receive such a sheet but was told if I get a pounding headache, vision goes blurry or if limbs start to feel cold, go to the hospital immediately from day 4 to 28. Currently on day 21 and aside from increased 5G coverage on my phone and the ability to fetch all the cutlery from the dishwasher by extending my hand I've seen no adverse effects

-KangarooFlyer88

 

[drron]

Well over 4 days from my second AZ jab and not a single side effect.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Did not receive such a sheet but was told if I get a pounding headache, vision goes blurry or if limbs start to feel cold, go to the hospital immediately from day 4 to 28. Currently on day 21 and aside from increased 5G coverage on my phone and the ability to fetch all the cutlery from the dishwasher by extending my hand I've seen no adverse effects

-KangarooFlyer88

Where did you get yours done?

 

[Seat0B]

I know this is not the right thread, but there is nowhere else that I could find, so please moderator move to the right place.

I want to give a huge shout out to the staff from ACT Health operating the COVID Testing Centre at the Canberra Showgrounds today in pouring rain, howling wind and 8 degree temperatures. I had occasion to get a test today, as I have what will certainly turn out to be the same cold that has affected my whole extended family this week (others got symptoms earlier and have all had negative COVID tests).

Every single one of them from first nurse handing out info and masks, to the security traffic directing staff, and then all those involved in paperwork and the actual testing were just wonderful. Polite, pleasant, professional, thanked us for waiting and for coming in for testing, and so very efficient. Thank you. I have submitted a feedback form to ACT govt to this effect as well, but I really hope one or more of you is an AFFer and gets a little boost from knowing that you were appreciated today.

Results back at 0600 - as suspected, it’s not COVID. Just a cold then.

 

[chelzmalee]

Well, I'm now 24hrs post 1st dose of Pfizer. I have a headache, bloody sore arm and am very tired. My experience:

Went to a local GP practice. Checked in. Saw doctor. He asked if I had any questions, just asked what side effects to look out for (everyone I know has had AZ) - he said flu like symptoms for the next week and really explained how the vaccine works (very helpful). Jammed it in my arm. I went and waited the fifteen mins (even though I could have just walked out - I didn't as I was going home where it would just be me, so figured for safety better wait).

Sore arm started about 3 hrs after shot and got worse as the day went on. Any milennials that remember getting the meningococcal vaccine in high school may remember the dead arm you got for 48hrs afterward - that is what I liken it to. This morning woke up with a headache and really hard to get out of bed, energy low - I suspect I won't be moving far past the couch today. Nurofen at the ready.

Overall a good experience and I am booked again for 3 weeks. Checked my immunisation record and it's on there, so that's good.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Where did you get yours done?

Ryde Respiratory Clinic in North Ryde.

That's another point I should bring up as well. For those of us without Medicare (e.g. on visitor visas), it seems like the respiratory clinic is where we need to go since GPs cannot update the AIR record for us, even if we have an Individual Healthcare Identifier. The only problem with this is Respiratory clinics are only giving the jab for those of us lucky to be in Phase 1b. I wonder how other ex-pats less lucky as yours truly manage to get the jab.

-KangarooFlyer88

 

[Seat0B]

Ryde Respiratory Clinic in North Ryde.

That's another point I should bring up as well. For those of us without Medicare (e.g. on visitor visas), it seems like the respiratory clinic is where we need to go since GPs cannot update the AIR record for us, even if we have an Individual Healthcare Identifier. The only problem with this is Respiratory clinics are only giving the jab for those of us lucky to be in Phase 1b. I wonder how other ex-pats less lucky as yours truly manage to get the jab.

-KangarooFlyer88

Respiratory clinics in the ACT are shooting up people from other phases- Mr Seat 0A is in 2a and got his AZ at one a few weeks back.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Respiratory clinics in the ACT are shooting up people from other phases- Mr Seat 0A is in 2a and got his AZ at one a few weeks back.

I hear those in their thirties will be able to get the Pfizer jab later this week? Good to see somewhere in Australia is getting their ACT together!

--KangarooFlyer88

 

[Seat0B]

I hear those in their thirties will be able to get the Pfizer jab later this week? Good to see somewhere in Australia is getting their ACT together!

--KangarooFlyer88

Not quite - they can register interest this coming week to receive Pfizer whenever we have enough. My daughter and partner, and my niece are all in this age group and keen to get on with it.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Respiratory clinics in the ACT are shooting up people from other phases- Mr Seat 0A is in 2a and got his AZ at one a few weeks back.

The respiratory Clinic in the ACT have been doing a great job. Ms FM (29 yrs old, but underlying health condition) got her AZ there in late March. Her husband accompanied her and they had a spare dose, so he was vaccinated at the same time. I have a number of friends who were 1B and were vaccinated there in early April. From what I have heard it runs very well.

 

[kookaburra75]

I know this is not the right thread, but there is nowhere else that I could find, so please moderator move to the right place.

I want to give a huge shout out to the staff from ACT Health operating the COVID Testing Centre at the Canberra Showgrounds today in pouring rain, howling wind and 8 degree temperatures. I had occasion to get a test today, as I have what will certainly turn out to be the same cold that has affected my whole extended family this week (others got symptoms earlier and have all had negative COVID tests).

Every single one of them from first nurse handing out info and masks, to the security traffic directing staff, and then all those involved in paperwork and the actual testing were just wonderful. Polite, pleasant, professional, thanked us for waiting and for coming in for testing, and so very efficient. Thank you. I have submitted a feedback form to ACT govt to this effect as well, but I really hope one or more of you is an AFFer and gets a little boost from knowing that you were appreciated today.

I wholeheartedly agree, having used it yesterday afternoon as I was beginning to get flu-ey and MrsK suggested I should get tested - as she had been through the process a couple of times and I hadn't, I think she didn't want me to miss out on the experience.

Edit: And I tested negative. The SMS with the news came in about 12 hours after I was tested.

 

[drron]

Exactly 1 week after my second AZ shot my vaccination certificate is available through Medicare.

 

[mviy]

Exactly 1 week after my second AZ shot my vaccination certificate is available through Medicare.

Well a 1 week delay isn't great, but seeing it can't be used to get any freedoms back yet there's not really any rush.