Even with the ACT's higher vaccination rate, sheer numbers tell us that the majority of those lining up to get tested are unvaccinated, or not fully vaccinated.

Why shouldn't they get the jab while they're waiting?

It becomes less logical when breaking down two key questions.

What if, by some chance, you did have COVID-19?

How would the logistics of it actually work?

Fortunately, there's a slim chance of having COVID-19 in Australia, particularly in Canberra, with no current local cases, and fewer than 250 active NSW cases.

But even with those numbers, it is not advised to take that chance.

"It is not worth the risk to have it if there's even a possibility you have Covid, it might make you more sick," a spokesman from the ACT AMA said.

However it is safe to get vaccinated if you have previously been infected, but are no longer Covid positive, though it is recommended to seek advice from your doctor.

Getting a Covid swab is a process that takes less than a minute.

Once the swab is removed, you are encouraged to go straight home to isolate, until you receive your test results.

A vaccine may take a similarly short time in theory, a needle is poked into you, the fluid is injected and voila, you're done?

Unfortunately, in order to ensure there are no adverse reactions (which is highly unlikely), it is encouraged that you stay in a clinic or medical surgery for several minutes after you've received a vaccination. This is the process recommended for all vaccines, not just for COVID-19.

This means that rather than getting straight home after your swab and jab, you'd be waiting around for up to 15 minutes, creating a larger backlog of people in centres, which would require more and more space in order to appropriately socially distance.

It would also require far more medical professionals and administrative staff on hand in order to maintain the backlog, and keep an eye on patients.

"It would also be a logistical nightmare, a Covid test takes only a few moments, whereas the process in getting a vaccine takes much longer," the AMA spokesman said.

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Other factors aside, trying to distinguish those who are just there for a test, and who there to get a test and a vaccine, would create administrative headaches.

"What we really want is everyone getting vaccinated, every single appointment should be getting booked," the AMA spokesman said.

For more questions about ACT government COVID-19 services call the helpline at 02 6207 7244.

For other COVID-19 questions contact the National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080.

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