Bendigo UFS Pharmacies are part of the current national COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout and are proud to be part of the program that supports reducing the COVID-19 outbreaks and illness across our community.
Please call us if you need to confirm what the timing should be between the appointments.
If you need phone or on-site interpreting, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.
Bendigo UFS Pharmacies are not accepting walk in appointments at this time.
Bendigo UFS Pharmacies are providing Novavax (Nuvaxovid), Pfizer (Comirnaty) Pfizer (Bivalent) and Pfizer paediatric a booster.
Following advice from ATAGI on 8 February 2023 the revised booster recommendation is*:
Age | No risk factors (Healthy Australians) | At-risk Australians** |
< 5 years | Not recommended | Not recommended |
5 – 17 years | Not recommended | Consider a dose |
18 – 64 years | Consider a dose | Recommended |
> 64 years | Recommended | Recommended |
Pfizer Comirnaty | Pfizer Children Comirnaty | Moderna + Pfizer Bivalent | Novavax | |
Recommended dose interval | 8 weeks | 8 weeks | N/A | 3 weeks > 18 years |
Approved dose interval | 3 to 8 weeks | 3 to 8 weeks | N/A | 3 weeks > 18+ years |
Approved age | 12 years and older | 5 to 11 years | N/A | 12 years and over |
Third dose (as part of primary course for severely immunocompromised. GP letter required) | Preferred for a third dose 2-6 months after second dose | Preferred for a third dose | N/A | Yes, 8 weeks after 2nd dose |
Fourth dose (as part of primary course for those at increased risk (over 16) Click here for more. Refer to ATAGI for 12-15 years. GP letter is required. | Preferred for a fourth dose ≥3 months after third dose | No | N/A | No |
Boosters (Recommended 6 months from previous dose or COVID infection) Considered for 5-17 year olds at risk4 | Yes (for 18 years and over and; 5 to 17 years at risk only) | Yes, if at risk (5 to 17 years) | N/A | Yes (for 18 years and over and; 5 to 17 years at risk only) |
Available at Bendigo UFS Helath Hub Vaccination Clinic | Yes | Yes | No longer available | Yes |
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends the COVID-19 dose can be co-administered with the influenza vaccine or other vaccines.
Children’s (paediatric) vaccines
UFS Pharmacies are providing the Pfizer (Comirnaty) for children aged 5 years to 11 years. Booster doses are available to children in the following eligibility:
Parents and/or Guardians may wish to have your child sitting on your lap (pictured right) for the vaccination. Your child will feel comforted and supported during the vaccination and in turn reduce nerves.
We suggest you let our friendly Immuniser Nurses know if either parent/guardian or child are feeling nervous so that we can ensure you feel as comfortable as possible.
Appointments are only available at our 379 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo location.
Before your vaccination appointment, you should make sure your details are up to date with Medicare.
If you don’t have your account set up, you can:
Your Medicare or IHI will be required to make your appointment – this will make it quicker on the day of your appointment.
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 cannot make it to your vaccination appointment, please contact us to arrange a new appointment.
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/before
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
Information on preparing for COVID-19 vaccination is available in other languages at: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination/before
Email: vaccination@bendigoufs.com.au
Phone: 03 5442 0444
Open hours: Thursday 9.30am until 4.30pm and Saturday 9.30am until 12.30pm
Everyone in Australia will be offered a COVID-19 vaccine. High priority groups who are more susceptible to catching COVID-19 or more vulnerable to becoming extremely ill if infected with COVID-19 or persons working in a high risk workplace are prioritised. Use the Department of Health’s Eligibility Checker to see when you can book your vaccine: https://covid- vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility?lang=en
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.
AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer* vaccines available in Australia require two doses (of the same type) to provide the best protection against COVID-19.
*The Pfizer vaccination is not available at Bendigo UFS Pharmacies.
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.
The COVID-19 vaccine may not stop you from ever getting COVID-19, however the AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer* vaccines have been shown to be effective at stopping people from becoming very ill or dying if they catch COVID-19.
*Pfizer vaccination is not available at Bendigo UFS Pharmacies.
There is no live virus in the COVID-19 vaccine. Most COVID-19 vaccines contain a spike protein that looks like the spikes on the outside of the COVID-19 virus particle or stimulate the body to produce this spike protein. The immune system recognises this spike protein and produces antibodies to fight against COVID-19.
We recommend that you view the Australian Government fact sheet on the AstraZeneca vaccine and potential suspected thrombosis with thrombocytopenia. This fact sheet provides you information to help you make an informed decision here.
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.
No. The COVID-19 vaccine is free to everyone in Australia whether a resident or not.
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.
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.
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.
They will be given the Pfizer formulation for those aged 12 and over.
Updated 15 November 2023