COVID-19 Vaccinations
Whether it’s your first dose or you need a booster, Ramsay Pharmacy offers quick and easy vaccination services for COVID-19 all over Australia – close to work, close to home or convenient when you’re out and about.
Simply book online or walk in and our qualified pharmacist will administer your vaccination in a private consultation area, efficiently and professionally.
We are an approved provider for the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Please check your eligibility below before booking or walking in.
Who should receive a primary course of COVID-19 vaccine?
All people aged 5 years and over are recommended to receive a primary course (the first 2 doses) of a COVID-19 vaccine. Children aged from 6 months to 4 years who have risk factors1 for severe COVID-19 should receive a 3-dose primary course from their GP.
Who should receive booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine?
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care updates its advice on who should receive a booster dose, and when they should receive a booster dose from time to time. This advice can be found here, and currently states:
For people without risk factors1:
| Age group |
2023 booster dose2 |
Additional 2023 booster dose3 |
| 0-17 years |
Not recommended |
Not recommended |
| 18-64 years |
Should be considered |
Not recommended |
| 65-74 years |
Actively recommended |
Should be considered |
| 75 years+ |
Actively recommended |
Actively recommended |
For people with risk factors1:
| Age group |
2023 booster dose2 |
Additional 2023 booster dose3 |
| 0-4 years |
Not recommended |
Not recommended |
| 5-17 years |
Should be considered |
Not recommended |
| 18-64 years |
Actively recommended |
Consider if severely immunocompromised4,5 |
| 65-74 years |
Actively recommended |
Should be considered4 |
75 years+ |
Actively recommended |
Actively recommended |
Please note that 2023 advice is still current into 2024, until updated advice is provided (expected around February 2024).
When should I receive a booster dose?
Booster doses should be given at least 6 months after the last COVID-19 vaccine dose, or at least 6 months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection. There may be circumstances where you should receive your booster dose earlier (e.g. before overseas travel); talk to your Ramsay Pharmacist if you think this applies.
Which vaccines are available?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advises that monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines are preferred for all doses, for people aged 5 years and over (where a suitable vaccine is available).
Pfizer COMIRNATY Omicron XBB.1.5 (raxtozinameran) and Moderna SPIKEVAX XBB.1.5 (andusomeran) are available. Contact your local Ramsay Pharmacist to find out which vaccines are available, and which age groups can be vaccinated.
From February 2024, Novavax NUVAXOVID COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be available.
Booking your COVID-19 vaccination (including booster doses):
Booking your vaccination or booster with us is easy. Simply select your state from the list below to find the most convenient Ramsay Pharmacy location for you, then click through to book online.
If you prefer to book over the phone, just give your local Ramsay Pharmacy a call. You’ll find their contact details in the list below under your state.
Alternatively, you are welcome to walk in and see if the pharmacist is available.
Preparing for your appointment:
It’s important you are in good health for any vaccination appointment. Please do not come to your appointment if:
- You are feeling unwell with fever, cough, runny nose or other symptoms that could be from COVID-19
- You are waiting for COVID-19 test results, or have tested positive for COVID-19
- You are a close contact of someone with COVID-19
- You are in quarantine
If you have had another vaccine in the 7 days before your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, please let us know. However, COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to still be safe and effective when administered with other vaccines, including routine childhood and adolescent vaccines.
If you are unable to make it to your vaccination appointment, please contact your Ramsay Pharmacy to arrange a new appointment. For more information, visit the Australian Government Department of Health.
Find a participating store below the FAQs and book your vaccination or booster dose
- Risk factors for severe COVID-19 include those with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness (see Australian Immunisation Handbook), or those with a disability with significant or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities that increase the risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19.
- See ATAGI February 2023 guidance for more information.
- See ATAGI September 2023 guidance for more information
- Talk to your pharmacist immuniser on whether this dose is appropriate
- For details, see ATAGI recommendations on the use of a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised.
We answer some of your important COVID-19 questions below in our FAQs:
What is the difference between the various COVID-19 vaccines?
No COVID-19 vaccines have been created using live viruses, nor can you catch or shed COVID-19 after vaccination. All COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia have been shown to be effective and safe.
Moderna: The Moderna vaccine is a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine. This is a different way of developing vaccines; conventional vaccines are often produced using either fragments or weakened forms of the virus, but mRNA vaccines use only parts of the virus’s genetic code. mRNA acts as a set of instructions, and tells your body how to produce fragments of the COVID-19 virus known as spike proteins. When the spike proteins are produced from mRNA ‘instructions’, the proteins are then ‘displayed’ on the surface of some cells in your body. Your immune system recognises these proteins as being foreign, and starts preparing its own defences known as antibodies to fight coronavirus. You will need two doses 4 weeks apart, although this can be reduced to 14 days at an absolute minimum.
When spike proteins are produced by your body and displayed on the surface of cells, it creates a stronger immune reaction and better protection than conventional vaccines.
mRNA vaccines such as Moderna have been shown to be safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and can be given to eligible people over 12 years of age.
The Moderna mRNA vaccine must be stored at ultra-cold temperatures (-15°C to -25°C), however can be stored for up to one month at normal refrigerated conditions. The Moderna vaccine is being manufactured in the United States, Switzerland and Spain.
From late 2023, only Moderna Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines are available in Australia.
Pfizer: The Pfizer vaccine is an mRNA vaccine, and almost mirrors the Moderna vaccine in how it works and in effectiveness. It has also been shown to be safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and can also be given to eligible people over 5 years of age using a special paediatric vaccine.
The Pfizer mRNA vaccine must be stored at ultra-cold temperatures (-70°C), however can be stored for up to one month at normal refrigerated conditions. The Pfizer vaccine is being manufactured in the United States, Belgium and Germany.
From late 2023, only Pfizer Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines are available in Australia.
Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe?
Any vaccine approved for use in Australia is first rigorously assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. It tests vaccines for safety, quality and efficacy before they can be used in Australia. Millions of people in countries around the world, including the United States and United Kingdom, have now been vaccinated with the Moderna, Pfizer and Novavax vaccines. More information can be accessed here or watch this video below explaining the approval process.
LINK TO VIDEO: https://youtu.be/XxJ7dnltvtI
Do we have to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine?
All COVID-19 vaccines free of charge to everyone in Australia. There is no need to have a Medicare card.
Is it safe for me to have the COVID-19 vaccine if I have an underlying medical condition?
If you have any concerns about whether the COVID-19 vaccine is suitable for your circumstances, you should speak to your Pharmacist Immuniser or GP first.
Will there be any side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine?
Early trials of COVID-19 vaccines have reported mild side effects such as pain at the injection site, fever, headache or muscle aches. All these side effects were temporary. The COVID-19 vaccines have not been created with live viruses, which means it is impossible to be infected with either vaccine as a result of vaccination. If you have any concerns about whether the vaccine is suitable for your particular medical circumstances, you should speak to your Pharmacist Immuniser or GP first.
Is it possible I could have an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine?
If you have any concerns about whether the vaccine is suitable for your particular medical circumstances, you should speak to your Pharmacist first. Prior to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine you will be provided within information about the COVID-19 vaccination and will have the opportunity to ask the Pharmacist Immuniser any questions.
Is it true I can still get and pass on COVID-19 even after I have the vaccine?
Any vaccine can have people who will not be protected from disease after having the vaccination, the vaccines are not 100% effective in preventing you from catching COVID-19. They create antibodies which can fight the COVID-19 infection to stop you becoming severely unwell. COVID-19 vaccines are designed to reduce the risk of severe illness that requires hospitalisation; however, even if you are up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccine doses, if you catch COVID-19 you may still have mild to moderate illness.
I know someone who got the flu after receiving the flu shot, can I catch COVID-19 from the vaccine?
Neither the COVID-19 vaccines nor any current influenza vaccines have not been created with live viruses, which means it is impossible to be infected with either as a result of vaccination.
Do I still need a flu vaccine this year?
Yes, all Australians are encouraged to have their seasonal influenza vaccine in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine. It is advised to still get your flu vaccine, and you can receive your flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
Are XBB.1.5 vaccines the same as bivalent vaccines?
No. Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines provided protection against 2 strains: the original (ancestral) strain that was prevalent at the beginning of the pandemic, and either the Omicron BA.1 or BA.4/5 strains. The original (ancestral) strain is no longer prevalent and the World Health Organization has recommended that the latest vaccines no longer include this strain.
How the vaccine works
More information will be provided soon regarding how to book your COVID-19 vaccination. For further updates visit the Department of Health’s website for more information and read the FAQs here.
Better Care during COVID-19
At Ramsay Pharmacy we are dedicated to providing you with exceptional care and expert advice. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, we wanted to keep you informed of the additional operational measures we are taking to continue providing Better Care for you and our local communities.
Increased hygiene in store
Our pharmacy team already follow rigorous daily hygiene and cleaning processes. We have put in place additional steps to help protect you, our customer and our team. These include increasing the cleaning and disinfecting of high use areas within the pharmacy such as counters, ,removal of all product testers as well as pens, as we can assist in receipting your prescriptions, and increasing the frequency of hand sanitising and good hand hygiene practices amongst our team. Where possible, we ask that you pay via card to reduce the handling of cash.
Pharmacy services
Our Pharmacy team will continue to provide professional advice and essential services. This includes Influenza vaccinations, starting from the 30thof March 2020. Bookings are available online and in-store. In the short term, we will cease non-essential services, such as in store beauty services for your protection. If you have a pre-existing booking, our team will be in touch.
Prescriptions and health products
We are working closely with our suppliers to meet the increased demand for health products and medications but may experience shortages. We apologise for any inconvenience and will continue to work with our partners to maintain supply of the health products and medications you require. Talk to your Ramsay Pharmacist for any questions you have regarding the supply of these products.
How to slow the spread
To help slow the spread of COVID-19, practice good hygiene and physical distancing and follow the rules for public gatherings, quarantine and isolation.
Good hygiene
Good hygiene includes washing your hands, covering your coughs and cleaning your home or workplace.
Physical distancing
Find out how to practise physical distancing in public, at home, at work, and in schools.
Public gatherings
Understand the limits that apply to essential gatherings and non-essential gatherings.
Masks
Wearing a mask can help protect you and those around you if you are in an area with community transmission, and physical distancing is not possible.
Isolation and Quarantine
Stay up to date with local information about isolation and quarantine. Follow the directions from public health authorities and the medical professional who tested you.
To reduce your waiting time in store, we recommend ordering your prescriptions in advance by:
- Downloading the MedAdvisor App to order your medications and healthcare products on your smartphone, tablet or PC. Our friendly team can assist in setting this up if you don’t already have the app.
- Phoning or emailing ahead. If you keep your prescriptions with us, call or email ahead so we can organise to refill your prescription and be ready to collect or deliver to you. (Delivery available at selected stores). If there are any issues regarding supply and availability of your medication a team member will be in touch.
Limits on essential medicines
We would like to advise that from the 20th March 2020, the Australian Government has placed limits on the quantity of some essential medicines pharmacies can supply as prescription or over-the-counter medication. The limits concern:
• ONE MONTH’s supply for certain essential prescription medicines.
• ONE PACK of some essential over-the-counter medicines
Chat with our friendly team about the medicines that have been listed as essential. Pharmacists must now label all asthma reliever inhalers e.g. Ventolin™, Asmol™
Thank you for your understanding and support so we ensure equitable access of medicines to all our customers. Our team is here to care for you and deliver Better Care. If you have any questions please talk to one of our team members.
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