Beyond Blue Chair Julia Gillard AC has thanked millions of Australians for rolling up their sleeves and getting vaccinated.
"It is heartening to see so many Australians getting vaccinated against COVID-19. By doing so, they're protecting themselves and those around them, especially those who are most vulnerable to the virus and those at the frontline," she said.
"Vaccination will support our collective mental health and wellbeing by reuniting us with friends and family, allowing business to reopen and reducing some of the uncertainty surrounding this pandemic."
Ms Gillard said she understood that some people were anxious and worried about vaccination.
"Beyond Blue understands these are uncertain times, misinformation does circulate, and some people may be unsure. Our message is that a conversation with your GP or healthcare professional can help manage anxiety or fears by supporting you through the process with factual, trusted information," she said.
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said: "The pandemic is profoundly affecting people's mental health and it's vital for our wellbeing that we find ways to live safely with COVID. Vaccination is key to this. Every vaccination helps protect our healthcare system and supports our healthcare workers."
"Counsellors at the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service are ready to support you through any feelings of anxiety you may be experiencing," she said.
Beyond Blue clinical lead and GP, Dr Grant Blashki, encouraged people to stick to reliable information about vaccination.
"It's great that so many people are taking the opportunity to get vaccinated, and we want to reassure people that your GP can support you through the process," Dr Blashki said.
"Vaccination is very safe, highly effective and much less risky than catching COVID-19 whilst unvaccinated. The best way to manage any concerns you may have is to get the facts from a reliable source."
