As a COVID-19 vaccination clinic, we want to ensure the community understands how today’s vaccines contribute to immunity.
Sourcing trustworthy information around COVID-19 vaccination is important. At Clinicare Fitzroy and Clinicare North Fitzroy, “care, competence, clear communication and convenience” are core healthcare values.
Pfizer
Pfizer is a messenger RNA vaccine (mRNA). A genetic code called RNA is used to evoke an immune response from your system. The RNA works by encouraging cells to produce the coronavirus’ specific spike protein.
Your immune system cells recognise the spike protein as a threat, and begin building an immune response. To be clear, no live virus is present. You cannot be infected with COVID-19 through vaccination.
Your DNA is unchanged, and your body will quickly break down the RNA. Feeling unwell after Pfizer is part of an immune system response. Most common side effects disappear in a day or two, and can include:
Tiredness
Injection site pain or swelling
Headache
Muscle or joint pain
Fever and chills
Rarely, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart) occur. Most experience mild symptoms. Contact the clinic or proceed to a hospital if the following symptoms occur after your Pfizer vaccination:
Chest pain
Pressure or discomfort in your chest
Irregular, skipped heartbeats, or “fluttering”
Fainting
Shortness of breath
Pain when breathing
The TGA states these rare side effects typically occur within 10 days, more likely after the second dose, and more often in men under 30. Most people experience mild side effects, or no side effects.
If you’d like to read more about Pfizer, the Australian Government offers Information on COVID-19 Comirnaty (Pfizer).
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is made from an inactivated adenovirus. This viral vector contains genetic code for the coronavirus spike protein, and tells cells to begin making copies. The goal is to trigger an immune response so your body learns to combat COVID-19.
The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19. An inactivated virus means infection is not possible. The purpose of AstraZeneca vaccination is to train the body so it responds to the presence of COVID-19 in the future.
Side effects are usually a sign of your immune system working. Common side effects only last a day or 2, and are more likely after the first dose. They can include:
Injection site pain or tenderness
Tiredness
Headache
Muscle pain
Fever and chills
A rare side effect of AstraZeneca is thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). This differs from more common blood clots. TTS includes blood clots (thrombosis) with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia).
Symptoms commonly appear 4 to 42 days post-vaccination. For further details, the Australian Government offers Information on COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. Speak to a doctor immediately or visit a hospital if you develop:
Severe persistent headache that does not go away after taking pain relief medication.
Abdominal pain.
Booking your Vaccination and Vaccination Interval
For a Clinicare COVID vaccination in Melbourne, book online. A Medicare card is required. Make your second dose appointment at the same time. For Pfizer, allow 3-6 weeks between doses. For AstraZeneca, allow 8-12 weeks between doses. Booster doses are offered 6months after the second dose of your COVID Vaccination, or earlier for specific eligible immunocompromised conditions.
While Coronavirus Victoria addresses many points including AstraZeneca or Pfizer suitability, general vaccination eligibility, and for Booster dose advice,consult a doctor beforehand, especially, if you have concerns regarding any pre-existing conditions. Our GP services are always available.
