The Melbourne Showgrounds COVID-19 Vaccination Hub has been constructed in the Pavilion 4 at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
You may be eligible to receive the vaccine for COVID-19 as part of the criteria specified by the Commonwealth.
You can check your eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccination using the Government’s eligibility checker
Please note that when presenting for your appointment you may be required to demonstrate or self-declare eligibility.
COVID Vaccines
Two COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use in Australia, the Pfizer vaccine and the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The Australian Government received important advice from Australia’s expert vaccine advisory body, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) about the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for people under the age of 50.
The side effect involves thrombosis, which is blood clotting, and thrombocytopenia, which is a low blood platelet count. This very rare side-effect can affect 1 in 250,000 people.
The risk of this side effect may be greater for people aged under 50 years, and ATAGI has advised that the Pfizer vaccine is preferred over the AstraZeneca vaccine in adults aged under 50 years.
If you need advice to help you make an informed decision about vaccination, please talk to your doctor or call 1800 020 080.
Click on the following links to find out more information on:
Available in other languages (click on symbol next to information above)
Booking a Vaccination
To book an appointment at the Melbourne Showgrounds, please call the Victoria Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 (Select Option 1 + Option 1 + Option 1).
You are also welcome to walk in for an appointment.
Opening Hours
Open every day 8.00am – 7.00pm
Walk ins accepted (8.00am – 6.00pm) but bookings preferred to avoid wait times.
Preparing for your COVID-19 vaccination
Prior to your vaccination appointment, click on the following links to read up on:
Available in other languages (click on symbol next to information above)
Hub Location
The Melbourne Showgrounds Vaccination Hub is located at the Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale.
Refer to the following map for specific directions to the Melbourne Showgrounds Vaccination Hub.
You should not attend a COVID-19 vaccination appointment if you:
- Are unwell with fever, cough, runny nose or other symptoms that could be from COVID-19.
- Are awaiting COVID-19 test results.
- Have tested positive with COVID-19 and you are in isolation.
- Are in quarantine.
- Are a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
If you fall into any of the above categories, please contact us via covidvaccination@wh.org.au or call 8345 0661. You may need to reschedule your appointment for vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines are not effective at treating COVID-19.
If you have had another vaccine in the 14 days before your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, please contact us via covidvaccination@wh.org.au or call 8345 0661. You may need to reschedule your appointment.
You are not required to test for COVID-19 before vaccination if you do not have a fever or any respiratory symptoms.
Plan ahead for two doses
It is important that you receive two doses of your COVID-19 vaccine:
The two doses need to be given a few weeks apart. For the Pfizer vaccine you need to wait at least 21 days between doses. For the AstraZeneca vaccine it is recommended that you wait 12 weeks between doses.
Full protection against COVID-19 will not occur until about a week after your second dose.
What to expect at your vaccination appointment
You should bring the following to your COVID-19 vaccination appointment:
Photo ID, if you have one.
- Medicare card, if you have one.
- Employee ID, as required
- Information about any of your medical conditions, allergies, bleeding disorders or weakened immune system.
- Information about any medications you are taking.
- Information about any reactions you have had to any vaccine in the past.
- Name of your current GP/s and any specialist doctors you see.
- Please ensure you are wearing a face mask.
At your appointment, you will be able to discuss any questions you have about COVID-19 vaccination.
In some circumstances, it may be better to have a discussion with your healthcare provider about vaccination before making an appointment for vaccination.
How you will receive the vaccine
You will receive the vaccine as an injection, most commonly into your upper arm muscle.
You must remain in the vaccination clinic for observation for at least 15 minutes after vaccination.
Depending on your medical history, you may be asked to wait in the clinic for 30 minutes.
Potential Side effects
The Therapeutic Goods Administration considers information about possible side effects. For a vaccine to be registered for use in Australia, the benefits must outweigh the risks. All vaccines can cause side effects. Usually any side effects are mild and temporary.
Clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines have reported temporary side effects typical of vaccines, such as:
- pain or redness at the injection site, as well as
- mild to moderate fever,
- tiredness,
- headache,
- muscle aches and
- chills.
For the Pfizer vaccine these side effects may be more common after the second dose, however for the AstraZeneca vaccine these side effects may be more common after the first dose.
A small number of people may have more severe side effects – defined as side effects affecting a person’s ability to do their normal daily activities. These side effects usually only last a day or two after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
It is possible that after the receiving the vaccine that you will get some COVID-19-type symptoms. If you just have pain or redness at the injection site, then you are able to continue to work. If you have a fever, temperature, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, chills or any other symptoms that can be COVID-type symptoms in the 1-2 days after having the vaccine then it is most likely a side-effect. However while you have symptoms should not come to work.
If you have any of the symptoms outlined above that subside within 1-2 days following receiving the vaccine, then you are able to safely return to work without needing to get a COVID swab.
If the symptoms do not subside after 2 days or your symptoms start to include respiratory type symptoms (including cough, sore throat and runny nose), then please remain at home and get a COVID swab.
Click on the following links for further reading on:
- Information – After your COVID-19 AstraZeneca Vaccination
- Information – After your Pfizer Vaccination
Available in other languages (click on symbol next to information above)
Key Messages
- You have been prioritised to start receiving COVID-19 vaccination.
- Vaccination will be phased and the vaccine is free
- By being vaccinated, you are helping to protect yourself, your family and your colleagues from serious COVID-19 health implications
If you would like further information please visit our COVID-19 Vaccination Hub Microsite.