As the COVID-19 vaccination program rolls out around the country, and around the world, it is crucial that those lining up for their shots have confidence in their ability to find advice and stay informed.

According to the Federal Government Health website, common reactions to vaccination include:

• pain, redness and/or swelling where you received the needle
• mild fever
• headache.

Serious reactions such as allergic reactions are extremely rare. They usually occur within 15 minutes of receiving a vaccine. After you receive your vaccine, you should wait this amount of time before you leave to ensure your safety in case a reaction occurs.

If the patient experiences any symptoms in the following weeks that is concerning to them, the government encourages the use of the COVID-19 vaccine side effect checker website via health direct: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19-vaccine-side-effect-checker 

These resources support a consistent national response, crucial to success for a national rollout.

Telehealth platforms can also play a role in keeping patients connected to their healthcare provider during vaccination after-care. ‘Unprecedented’ has been used to describe many events in the last 12 months, and it is again apt in this new phase of our crisis response.

For the vaccination rollout to be effective the public should feel informed, supported and connected. Healthcare providers can use a telehealth platform for easy, convenient and secure follow-up-care for patients who would benefit from a follow up call. This peace of mind cannot be underestimated.