COVID-19 truths and lies

Questions we get about COVID-19 the disease

Is COVID-19 just the flu?
No, it is much more dangerous because it makes you much sicker than the flu, and it is much easier to catch.

Don’t young people just experience mild sickness from COVID-19?
COVID-19 can make anyone very sick, no matter their age. Even kids and young adults have died of COVID-19.

Is COVID-19 a whitefellas disease?
Nope, it affects everyone, and because our mob are more likely to already have other sicknesses, they get more sick from COVID-19.

Are Darwin and the NT safe from COVID-19
It’s very likely that NSW, Victoria and the ACT are going to learn to live with COVID-19 in their communities because they’ve been locked down for a long time. This means even though the NT government will try to keep COVID-19 out, that there will be more people spreading the disease in Australia and so the NT and Darwin might have outbreaks.

This is why it is so important to get vaccinated—remember, it takes a while for the vaccine to kick in. You need at least 3 weeks between doses, and then 2 more weeks for it to be as effective as possible. Get your vaccine today.

Darwin and the NT are very hot; will that stop the virus?
COVID-19 can still spread in hot and humid climates. India is hot and humid, and they still had lots of COVID-19 in the community.

Questions we get about COVID-19 vaccines

Is the vaccine safe?
Yes! Millions of people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Scientists have tested vaccines and governments have tested them. They:

• Do NOT give you COVID-19
• Do NOT have 5G or tracking devices in them
• Do NOT damage fertility
• Are NOT too strong for you

How does the vaccine actually work?
Vaccines strengthen your body’s response to the real COVID-19 by training your body to recognise and fight COVID-19.

If each person’s immune system is stronger against COVID-19, it is less likely to spread, and less likely to make people seriously sick.

Is there COVID-19 in the vaccine?
The vaccines used in Australia do not use the live COVID-19 virus, or a whole COVID-19 virus, so they do not actually give you COVID-19. The vaccines contain enough information for your body to learn how to fight COVID-19 without giving you COVID-19.

Is the vaccine safe if I’m pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant?
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been tested and are deemed SAFE for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and women who want to have kids later in their lives.

Actually, it’s more important to get the vaccine if you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding to protect yourself and your baby. Pregnant women are 5 times more likely to be hospitalised if they contract COVID-19, and their babies 1.5 times more likely to be sick and need special care. The vaccine lowers your risk of infection and serious symptoms.

The antibodies from the vaccine will protect your baby in its first few months if you get the vaccine while pregnant. If you get the vaccine while trying to fall pregnant, you’ll be better protected for your whole pregnancy. If you’re breastfeeding and get the vaccine, some of that protection will be given to your baby through your breastmilk.

Will the vaccine make me sick?
You might get side effects like headache, a fever or a sore arm, but we can help with that. Usually side effects only last a few days or less, and people recover well. Side effects show your body is reacting to the vaccine - this is a good thing.

In rare cases, some people have experience an allergic reaction to the vaccine, just like how people are allergic to peanuts or dust. That’s why we ask you to stay for 15 minutes after getting the jab. We just want to make sure you’re ok.

You should let us know if you experience side effects so we can report these side effects and make sure scientists are kept up-to-date with community reactions to the vaccine.

Vaccines protect us from serious sicknesses. It is very, very rare to die from the vaccine.

Will the vaccine be more likely to make me sick if I already have other sicknesses?
Talk to your doctor, your Aboriginal Health Practitioner or your nurse about your specific situation.

In general, the vaccine is even more important if you have other illnesses. This is because COVID-19 is more likely to make you very sick if you get it.

Will the vaccine give me blood clots?
The Pfizer vaccine is not linked to this side effect, only the AstraZeneca vaccine. However, AstraZeneca’s risk of giving you a blood clot is very low, and doctors can help manage this risk.

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