Individuals aged 18 to 39 can now have the AstraZeneca vaccine at Austin Health’s high volume vaccination clinic at its Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.

Student Bree Adamson, 25, received her first AstraZeneca vaccination on Monday and says she’s feeling fine.

“I did some research and read some actual journal articles about the vaccines – I used to study biomedical science so I understand how vaccines work,” Bree says.

She says she understands how hard the lockdowns have been for everyone, from small businesses to families, and she was excited to get it done.

“I wanted to do my part as this was all I could control at the moment,” she says.

Her message for anyone in the 18 to 39 age group who’s unsure about the risks, is to trust the experts.

“Trust your doctor, trust science,” she says.

“Don’t trust what’s on all the different social media platforms – trust the experts and listen to the research they’ve done.”

Nurse Unit Manager for Austin Health’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program, Sean Mace, says he’s excited this age group has an option to get AstraZeneca and there is already a really good uptake of young people coming forward.

“We’ve had a steady stream of 18 to 39-year-olds coming through the clinic who have all been excited to have the opportunity to get vaccinated.”

An Austin Health doctor within the clinic or one of the health service’s senior qualified immunisers will consult with patients in this age group and give consent.

Walk in appointments are available for AstraZeneca at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital but bookings are accepted too via the Victorian Government’s online portal, click here for more: https://portal.cvms.vic.gov.au/

For more info: https://www.austin.org.au/getvax/