Comirnaty (Pfizer) is approved for use in people aged 12 years and over. The TGA provisionally approved it for use in Australia on 25 January 2021 (for 16 years and over) and 22 July 2021 (for 12 years and over). If you live in or near Alexandra Hills and would like to organise an appointment to get your vaccine, please call One Life Medical on 3824 8144.
What is the Pfizer vaccine dose schedule?
You need two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, given between 3 and 6 weeks apart. You may not be fully protected against COVID-19 until 7 to 14 days after your second dose.
What are the ingredients in the Pfizer vaccine?
Pfizer is a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine. This type of vaccine uses a genetic code called RNA to make your body’s cells produce the coronavirus’ specific spike protein. Your immune system cells then recognise the spike protein as a threat and begin building an immune response against it.
Does the Pfizer vaccine change your DNA?
The RNA from the vaccine does not change your DNA in any way, and your body quickly breaks it down.
Does the Pfizer vaccine contain any live virus?
Pfizer does not contain any live virus, and it cannot give you COVID-19.
What are the common side effects of the Pfizer vaccine?
As with any vaccine, you may have temporary side effects after receiving Pfizer. This shows your immune system is working. Common side effects after Pfizer include:
- injection site pain or swelling
- tiredness
- headache
- muscle or joint pain
- fever and chills
Most side effects are mild and go away within 1 to 2 days. AusVaxSafety data shows that side effects are more common after the second dose.
What are the rare side effects of the Pfizer vaccine?
In rare cases, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane around the heart) can develop after vaccination with Pfizer. Most cases have mild symptoms and recover well. The TGA reports that these rare effects on the heart typically occur:
- within 10 days of vaccination
- particularly after the second dose
- more often in men under 30
Contact a doctor or go to the hospital immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms after a Pfizer vaccination:
- chest pain
- pressure or discomfort in the chest
- irregular, skipped heartbeats or ‘fluttering’
- fainting
- shortness of breath
- pain when breathing
Do I need a booster shot?
Find out more about booster doses for people aged 18 years and older and third doses for people with severe immunocompromise.
Where can I find accurate information about the Pfizer vaccine?
Online vaccine misinformation is present in news outlets, websites and social media. Public health experts and the medical community have the knowledge to correct false statements. At One Life Medical, our highly trained practitioners are happy to answer any questions and concerns you may have about the Pfizer vaccine. This video from John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health explains how mRNA vaccines work. You can also read the full Cominarty Consumer Medicine Information document on the TGA site for more details (click ‘I accept’ to see the PDF).
Where can I get the Pfizer vaccine in Redland City?
One Life Medical is a bulk-billing practice in Alexandra Hills. Services include immunisations, general surgery, antenatal care, health assessments, ECG’s, cryotherapy, travel medicine, employment medicals, driver’s medicals and more. Allied health practitioners regularly visit our practice. These include a physiotherapist, podiatrist, hearing specialist and dietitian.
To book an appointment at One Life Medical, please call 07 3824 8144. Alternatively, you can book online or download the app for iPhone or Android devices and make bookings directly from your phone. For further information, please call reception on 07 3824 8144. Please note that we are not accepting bookings for COVID-19 vaccines. You must call the surgery to secure your vaccine.
Reference
Comirnaty (Pfizer) | Australian Government Department of Health