Transcript courtesy of Australian Government Department of Health.

We have heard about the COVID-19 sickness and how lots of people around the world, and in Australia, have gotten very sick and died from the disease.

We have been lucky in Australia, but as travel and tourism starts, we need to protect our elders and future generations.

There are new vaccines which will teach your body how to fight the COVID-19 sickness.

The vaccines will protect you, your family and your community from getting really sick from COVID.

You don’t have to have the vaccine, but it is strongly recommended. Make sure you get the vaccine when it is your turn.

There are different types of the COVID-19 vaccine, and you will need to have two doses of the same. Before you get vaccinated, the clinic will ask you some health questions.

First, they will ask if you have any allergies. An allergy is when you come close to something and get sick very quickly. You might get an itchy rash, your tongue might get big and you might breathe fast or cough lots.

Other questions you will get asked are about the medicines you take, if you have a weak immune system, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have a bleeding disorder or if you take medicine to thin your blood and if you have been sick recently.

The clinic will also ask your name and date of birth as well and who your closest family members are.

They will ask you if you understand all the information they have talked to you about, and if you agree to get the vaccine, you will have to sign a consent form to get the vaccine.

To be vaccinated you will get a needle in your arm. You will need two needles on different days to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Once you get the needle, the clinic nurse will get you to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes to make sure you are okay.

After you get the vaccine, you might get some mild side effects such as a sore arm, a headache, feeling tired or having a fever. This should only last 1 to 2 days. It is normal and means the vaccine is working.

If you have severe symptoms like a headache that won’t go away, are worried about how you are feeling or have any questions, make sure you talk to the health clinic.