Getting clear and accurate information about COVID-19 & vaccines can be difficult, so we have created this page with links to valuable resources to assist young people as well as parents & families. This page will be updated regularly to ensure you have access to up-to-date information. If you cannot find the information you seek, or require additional support, contact the Victorian State Government 24/7 Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398
Symptoms
While most people will only have mild symptoms, anybody can become very sick with COVID-19 and spread it to others.
The symptoms to watch out for are:
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fever
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chills or sweats
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cough
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sore throat
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shortness of breath
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runny nose
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loss or change in sense of smell or taste.
Some people may also experience headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
If you have any of these symptoms, however mild, you should seek advice and get tested.
Find out places to get tested HERE. Once you have been tested, you will need to isolate until you get a negative result.
If you have severe symptoms, such as breathing difficulty, chest pains, or blueness around the mouth, call 000 for urgent help.
Getting Tested
If you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, you should seek advice and get tested.
People with no symptoms can also be tested for COVID-19 in specific circumstances:
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if they are a close contact exposed to someone known to have COVID-19
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as part of an outbreak investigation and response by the Department of Health
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if they are a returned international traveller
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If they have visited a high risk interstate location
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if they are due to have surgery or a planned hospital stay
Important Update: Rapid antigen tests
According to the latest advice from the Victorian State Government, everyone’s first option should be to use a rapid antigen test.
They are quick and highly accurate, particularly if you have symptoms or if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19.
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If you have symptoms or you are a household or household-like contact, and you can’t access a rapid antigen test, you should get a PCR test.
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If you can’t access either test at the moment, isolate at home until you can.
If you test positive on a rapid antigen test, you are a case and you must follow your checklist and report your result. Read Reporting your result for more information.
Where to get tested: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19
Translated information: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/translated-information-about-coronavirus-covid-19
Information for people with disability – coronavirus (COVID-19) – https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/information-people-disability-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
I’ve tested Positive: what do I do know?
If you test positive, the Department of Health will contact you regarding your next steps.
If you have tested positive, you will likely be isolating at home for a period of time. If you will be missing work or require financial assistance, find more information HERE.
Additionally, being unwell (or even just experiencing a global pandemic) can impact your mental health – you can find support information from the Department of Health website HERE. Alternatively, you can contact a Youth Worker at Banyule Youth Services by visiting our Contact Us page.
I’ve had COVID-19, what do I need to know?
It is important to only leave isolation once you have been cleared to do so by the Department of Health, and get vaccinated according to your personal health advice. The best place to find this information is by contacting the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. You can also discuss vaccination options with your General Practitioner (GP).
Vaccine Information
How do Vaccines work?
Vaccines, also known as immunisations, provide your immune system the ability to fight off preventable disease, and reduce the chances of spreading diseases. However, there are many different types of vaccinations for COVID-19, which all have their own technology and health advice. Find out the specifics of each vaccine available to you HERE through the Department of Health.
The Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) has a page dedicated to vaccine safety and side effects here.
Myths Vs Facts: where can I find trustworthy information?
Being able to identify what sources of information are trustworthy is crucial, especially when it comes to your health and well-being.
There are some guides help you determine what is genuine, and you can find them:
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On the websites of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria – a peak body in youth policy – on spotting COVID-19 misinformation HERE
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National regulatory body the ACMA (the Australian Communications and Media Authority) also have a page on identifying misinformation more broadly, which you can find HERE.
If you still have questions about COVID-19 vaccines and you need credible sources to find information, you can find answers to frequently asked questions on the Department of Health’s website HERE.
The incredible people at the Foundation for Young Australians who are behind the project YLab, have co-designed a COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkit which summarises a collection of reputable resources around the COVID-19 vaccine – find more information HERE.
Booking your vaccination & booster
There are a number of places you can receive a vaccination based on where you are located:
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You can book online at a state-run vaccination centre, or by calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398, 8am – 8pm 7 days, or
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You can find a participating General Practitioner (GP) or Medical Centre via the Department of Health website
Showing your proof of vaccination
If you are going to visit a public place that may ask you for proof of vaccination, be prepared: you can download your proof of vaccination from Medicare via logging into myGov. If you don’t have a My Gov/Medicare log in, you may need to create your own or speak with your parent/carer. If you’re unsure how to find proof (online or offline), Medicare have a guide to support you here, or find more instructions via the Department of Health here.
Other Resources
Got a question about Jets safety that’s not about COVID-19? Check out the Jets Safety page HERE.
Need new activities to fill in time while you’re at home? Visit the Banyule Youth Portal for creative activities you can do from home.
If you’re connecting to Jets Studios’ weekly groups or simply just using Zoom for the first time, we have visual Zoom instructions to help you out.
If you are supporting a young person with COVID-19, you can find additional resources HERE.