Bendigo UFS Pharmacies are proud to support our community in the ongoing effort to reduce the impact of Covid-19 in our Community.
Since the rollout of the initial Covid-19 vaccine in 2021, BUFS has continues to provide a professional & friendly vaccination service across our pharmacies.
At higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19 are those who are aged over 65, Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people aged over 50, along with people with severe immunocompromise. Asthma is also considered a condition that can increase the risk of severe respiratory illness developing from Covid-19 infection.
Whilst the Covid-19 vaccine is no longer recommended for children, if the child has an underlying medical condition that puts them at higher risk of serious disease, they can consider being vaccinated at BUFS from 6 months old.
The Pfizer LP 8.1 vaccine is currently the only available Covid-19 vaccine in Australia.
If you are planning on travelling overseas or taking a flight, cruise or even a coach trip, you should consider having a Covid-19 booster dose 3-4 weeks prior to travel to ensure the vaccine has time to work.
Keep Your Immunity Strong!
Free vaccines are now targeted to those at highest risk of severe disease:
All adults aged 75+ (1 dose every 6 months)
Adults aged 65–74 (1 dose every 12 months)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50–74 (1 dose every 12 months)
Adults 18+ with severe immunocompromise
(1 dose every 12 months)
Pre-booking is recommended for this service. Whilst we do offer walk-in service at all BUFS Pharmacies, service is subject to availability and timing.
The vaccine may be purchased privately for those that not eligible on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) - please contact our pharmacies for more information.
Booster Dose Recommendation
Getting ready for your appointment on the day
You will receive an email and text message reminder up to 48 hours before your appointment.
Please do not come to your vaccination appointment if you are feeling unwell.
If you cannot make it to your vaccination appointment, please contact us to arrange a new appointment.
Supporting information
You can also read this patient factsheet developed by the Australian Government Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination
Information for persons whom are immunocompromised are encouraged to read here: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/atagi-recommendations-on-the-use-of-a-third-primary-dose-of-covid-19-vaccine-in-individuals-who-are-severely-immunocompromised
Frequently Asked Questions
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Appointments are now available at all of our pharmacy locations.
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Use the Department of Health’s Eligibility Checker to see when you can book your vaccine: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-booster-eligibility-checker
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The most commonly reported side effects from COVID-19 vaccines are headache, aches and pains, fever, and tenderness at the site of injection. These side effects are typical of many vaccines, and usually, last only a day or two. Investigation is continuing into rare side effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s safety monitoring team of doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and scientists are closely monitoring any reported side effects from the vaccine to investigate any safety issues.
Speak to our team of pharmacists and nurses if you have concerns about the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
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For most people with existing health conditions, receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is still recommended. Speak with your doctor to find out what’s right for you.
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The COVID-19 vaccine may not stop you from ever getting COVID-19, however the vaccines have been shown to be effective at stopping people from becoming very ill or dying if they catch COVID-19.
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COVID-19 vaccines help the body recognise and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. They do not contain COVID-19 and you cannot get COVID-19 from having the vaccine.
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Our nurses and pharmacists are administering the COVID-19 vaccinations and have completed extensive training regarding general vaccinations, as well as specific training for COVID-19 vaccinations.
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The COVID-19 vaccine is free to those eligible on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule. There is a private fee for non-eligible patients. Please contact our stores for more information.
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You will receive your vaccine in a safe, private space within our pharmacy. We pride ourselves on providing this space allowing you to feel comfortable and ask any questions that you may have.
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Appointments do book out and you may need to look at an appropriate time in coming weeks but we do offer a waitlist option. We recommend you do book an appointment even if it’s some time away and if there is a cancellation, we’ll contact you to check your availability.
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We welcome you to further research the vaccination and the virus if you wish. A great reputable resource to view is healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus.
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Regular COVID-19 vaccination is recommended even in individuals who have had a past infection.There are no safety concerns for individuals receiving a COVID-19 vaccine who may have had a recent COVID-19 infection.
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All adults can get a booster if it’s been 12 months or longer since their last COVID-19 booster or six months since confirmed COVID-19 infection (whichever comes first).
However, not all vaccines are free. Only those eligible on the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Boosters give extra protection against severe illness from COVID. Booster doses are not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age who do not have severe immunocompromise.
Aboriginal Torres Straight Islander people are eligible for a free vaccine from 50 years of age, whilst those over 65 years of age are eligible for a free vaccine every 12 months and those over 75 years of age are recommended to get one every 6 months. Those with severe immunocompromise can get a free vaccine every 12 months from 18 years of age.
Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook for definitions and examples of severe immunocompromise. Your doctor can also help you decide if you or your child meet this definition. If a booster is recommended, a letter from your GP or medical practitioner is required to confirm eligibility.
All vaccines are approved for use in Australia and continue to give strong protection against serious illness from COVID-19. Bendigo UFS provide the latest approved vaccinations where available as this is preferred over other COVID-19 vaccine boosters.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends the COVID-19 dose can be co-administered with the influenza vaccine or other vaccines.
Refer here for more information: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination
Last updated September 2026