COVID-19

KATUNGUL COVID-19 VACCINE

Katungul is currently offering the AstraZeneca vaccine for patients aged 60 years and over and the Pfizer vaccine for under 60's including the kids vaccine (5-11 year old). Bookings are essential- call us on our cost free number 1800 804 201.

If you are COVID-19 positive or you think you may be and require support, please contact Covid Health Information Line: 1800 020 080.

Free Katungul resources

Katungul Covid-19 vaccination pamphlet
Katungul consent form (required to complete before your vaccination)

After your vaccine info sheet Vaccine Yarn Up Vaccines FAQ After your vaccine info sheet

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What vaccine am I eligible for?

Katungul takes the roll-out of the Covid vaccine seriously and strictly follows government advice and regulations.

We are currently offering the AstraZenica vaccine for patients aged 60 years and over and the Pfizer vaccine for anyone who identifies as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island between the ages of 12-60.

We will remain transparent with you and keep you updated, you can also check out the easy eligibility checker here.

How much does it cost to have the vaccine?

The vaccine is free.

Is the vaccine voluntary?

Yes. The COVID-19 vaccination is voluntary, but strongly recommended. It will help keep you and your community safe. We encourage your family, Elders and community to get vaccinated so that they are protected from serious illness from COVID-19.

Do I need to have the vaccine if I have already had my flu shot?

It is highly recommended that you do both. However you cannot have both vaccines on the same day as the flu immunisation needs to be either 14 days pre or post the Covid-19 vaccination.

How many doses of the vaccine do I need to get?

People aged 16 years and older will intially need to receive two doses of this vaccine, 12 weeks apart. Both doses need to be the same vaccine. For example, if your first dose is the AstraZeneca vaccine, your second dose also needs to be the AstraZeneca vaccine. You should have your first booster at least 3 months after your primary dose course of COVID-19 vaccinations (2 vaccinations.)

For people aged 16 and under or for more information please visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination/stay-up-to-date.

Are there any known side-effects to the vaccines?

Katungul takes the roll-out of the Covid vaccine seriously and strictly follows government advice and regulations.

As part of the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s approval process, all vaccines are tested and studied for serious side effects.

For the vaccine to have approval in Australia, all vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety. This includes careful analysis of clinical trial data, ingredients, chemistry, manufacturing and other factors.

All vaccines can have some side effects. These usually last no more than a couple of days and are

mild. Clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines have shown side effects that don't last long. These were typical of vaccines, such as pain at the injection site, fever or muscle aches and headaches. You will be given a fact sheet after your vaccine to inform you about possible side effects.

Some people can experience more significant flu-like symptoms from the vaccine compared to other

common vaccinations, and may need time away from normal activities. For the AstraZeneca vaccine, these symptoms are more common after the first dose.

AstraZeneca appears to be associated with a rare side effect called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). TTS is rare and occurs around 4-42 days after vaccination. Find more information here - https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/learn-about-covid-19-vaccines/about-the-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine or check out the vaccine fact checker here.

Can COVID-19 vaccines give you COVID-19?

No. None of the approved vaccines in Australia contain the live virus. This means they cannot give

you COVID-19.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine work if coronavirus mutates?

All viruses mutate. Evidence tells us that the COVID-19 vaccines will still be effective against new variants. It may mean people need booster shots like tetanus and whooping cough or it may mean we need to be vaccinated again – like we are for the flu vaccine each year.

Do I need to be a current patient at Katungul to receive the vaccination?

Yes. Any eligible person who are not current patients of Katungul will be required to authorise the release of their medical records from their regular GP and be registered as a Katungul patient.
Vaccinations will only be administered once Katungul has reviewed the medical records to ensure that such persons do not have any underlying medical conditions that preclude vaccination.

How do I make an appointment?

Katungul is not a walk-in clinic, we are a vaccine clinic and we operate under strict procedures and regulations. If you are eligible, you will need to call Katungul to make an appointment.

Prior to your vaccine appointment you will be required to do a screening interview with a registered nurse.

What should I expect at my appointment?

You will be allocated a half hour time slot for the your appointment. On arrival at the clinic, you will need to complete a consent form which will be explained at the time of vaccination.

You will also be provided with information about the possible side effects of the vaccination.

Once you have had your vaccination you will remain at the clinic for a period of at least 15 minutes under supervision to ensure no adverse reaction occurs and a follow up appointment for your second vaccination approximately 12 weeks later should be made at this time.

I have more questions!

For any other questions you can contact the Covid Health Information Line: 1800 020 080 which runs 24/7.

Covid Health Information Line: 1800 020 080.

BATEMANS BAY
1-3 Old Princes Highway Rd, Batemans Bay NSW 2536
Phone: (02) 4488 4050

NAROOMA:
26 Princes Highway, Narooma 2546
Phone: (02) 4476 2155

BEGA:
25 Bega Street, Bega 2550
Phone: (02) 6492 0532

WOMEN’S HEALTH AT KATUNGUL

Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health and Community Services offers woman-to-woman treatment to ensure the comfort and ease of patients receiving women’s health treatment. Women’s health services available at Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health and Community Services are:

Pap smear cervical clinic
Sexual health screens
Breast screening
Domestic violence (debrief and referral)
Sexual assault (debrief and referral)

Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health and Community Services educates women on issues such as smoking and pregnancy, alcohol and pregnancy, contraception, safe sex and STIs.

GET IN TOUCH

For medical treatment and support, please contact your Katungul medical clinic.

ABORIGINAL MATERNAL INFANT HEALTH STRATEGIES

The Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Strategies (AMIHS) is a result of the partnership between Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health and Community Services, Healthy for Life and Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS). It offers pre- and post-natal care for Koori women and women with Koori babies.

AMIHS is accessible in Narooma through the Moruya District Hospital and at the Bega-based Katungul clinic. The program has been designed to provide a continuum of care for expecting mothers who have built a trusting relationship with their midwife and obstetrician. The midwife also conducts home visits up to 6 weeks after birth to offer physical support and personal care for mothers and newborns.

The program was developed to improve the quality of pregnancy care and birth outcomes in Koori women and women expecting Koori babies. AMIHS promotes a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and provides education on parenting and family planning.

GET IN TOUCH

For more information or advice, contact or visit your Katungul clinic.

OTITIS MEDIA (GLUE EAR)

Otitis Media, also known as glue ear, is an acute or chronic middle ear infection that, if left untreated, can result in permanent hearing loss. Children from six to eighteen months may experience OM, with the infection common up until the age of four.

Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health and Community Services, in association with the Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD), has developed a program to combat otitis media through prevention, early detection and treatment. Screening for OM is held in schools from Ulladulla to Eden three times a year. The program also provides education for families and teachers.

This program has led to the establishment of the Ears, Nose and Throat (ENT) outreach clinic at Goulburn, Batemans Bay, Bega and Moruya, which is regularly attended by an ENT specialist from Westmead Children’s Hospital. Children with chronic OM are immediately transferred to the ENT clinic for further treatment.

LEARN MORE

For treatment and advice, visit our Narooma clinic.

For more information on prevention, signs and symptoms, visit the ‘Care for Kids’ Ears’ website.

KATUNGUL LOCATIONS

Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health and Community Services currently has three clinics that offer medical, dental and specialist services; one in Narooma, Bega and Batemans Bay. Outreach programs and specialist programs are still in place to aid the Koori people.