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Dr Glenn Harrison discusses vaccine side effects

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Community, Unity, Immunity

[Dr Glenn Harrison]: G'Day mob, I'm Glenn Harrison. I'm a doctor, I'm an Emergency Physician and a Wotjobaluk man here in Melbourne. 

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Dr Glenn Harrison, Doctor and Emergency Physician

[Dr Glenn Harrison]: Choosing to get the COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to protect you, your family and your community. 

When you get the vaccine, you might experience some side effects.

Side effects are a sign the vaccine is teaching your body how to fight the virus.

Mild side effects go away in a couple of days and include pain or swelling in your arm where the needle went in, fever, sore muscles or joints, tiredness and headaches.

Mild side effects include feeling sick in your stomach, having lumps in your neck, pain in your leg and not sleeping well.

Contact your doctor or local health service if you like help with these symptoms.

Serious side effects are very rare. Symptoms of these include a bad headache that lasts for more than three days, blurred vision, speech difficulties, some drowsiness, seizures, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain, swelling in your legs and tiny spots under the skin in places where the needle did not go in.

If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your local doctor or attend your emergency department.

COVID-19 vaccinations are free, safe and voluntary.

Choosing to get vaccinated helps protect our family and our community.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

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For more information on go to
coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine

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Victoria State Government
Authorised by the Department of Health, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Spoken by G. Harrison

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Reviewed 30 March 2022

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