PPE vending machines – rapid antigen tests and P2 masks

Using the vending machines

The vending machines now accept credit cards and dispense discounted RATs and P2 face masks.

To purchase your RATs or masks:

1. Tap credit card on vending machine card reader
2. Select bay number using the number pad below the card reader
3. Collect vended items from hopper

• How much do RATs and masks cost?

  The University has purchased RATs and P2 masks in bulk to secure a significant discount and is passing this discount on to students and staff as follows:

  Item	Quantity	Price
  Rapid antigen test	1	$2.70
  P2 mask	2	$2.20

• Does it matter which brand of RAT I choose?

  No. All RATs available at the University are nasal swab tests approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.

• What should I do if the vending machine is out of order or doesn't dispense my items?

  Please contact Vendy to report the issue and, if out of order, visit one of the other vending machines.

  • Phone: 1300 008 881
  • Email: hello@vendy.com.au
• Can I collect RATs and P2 masks on another campus?

  Yes. There are collection points on every campus.

  Find your campus collection point

• Where else can I get RATs?

  You may be able to collect free rapid antigen tests kits from some community collection points.

  You can also buy RATs from supermarkets, pharmacies, and some other retail outlets or online.

• What if I have a medical condition and need extra support?

  The University will provide limited access to free P2 masks and RATs for students who meet certain support criteria.

  How to access free RATs and P2 masks on campus

  You can apply to access free P2 masks and/or RATs from the University if you want to take extra precautions when attending campus under the following circumstances:

  • You are immunocompromised and it is medically recommended you use masks when in public
  • You have carer responsibilities for others who are immunocompromised
  • You are experiencing financial hardship that prevents you from being able to purchase masks and/or RATs

  If you meet any of these conditions, you can apply to access free masks and/or RATs here. The application requires a signed Statutory Declaration that you meet one or more of the above criteria.

• What if I am experiencing financial hardship and cannot afford to purchase RATs or P2 masks?

  The University will provide limited access to free P2 masks and RATs for students who meet certain support criteria.

  How to access free RATs and P2 masks on campus

  You can apply to access free P2 masks and/or RATs from the University if you want to take extra precautions when attending campus under the following circumstances:

  • You are immunocompromised and it is medically recommended you use masks when in public
  • You have carer responsibilities for others who are immunocompromised
  • You are experiencing financial hardship that prevents you from being able to purchase masks and/or RATs

  If you meet any of these conditions, you can apply to access free masks and/or RATs here. The application requires a signed Statutory Declaration that you meet one or more of the above criteria.

Questions about RATs

• How do I conduct the test?

  Please follow the instructions contained within the RAT carton.

• How and when should I use a RAT?

  We recommend following this Victorian Government guidance on how and when to use a RAT.

• What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

  Please follow the guidance on our testing and isolation page, which includes notifying the Victorian Government and the University's Public Health Network to access support and latest health advice.

  • Seek medical advice as required.
  • If you are having serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call 000.
• Do I need to report my test results?

  Negative result

  If you receive a negative result but have symptoms, please do not attend any University location until your symptoms resolve and/or you have a diagnosis that is deemed non-infectious by a GP/specialist.

  You do not need to report a negative result unless specifically requested by the Department of Health or our Public Health Network.

  Positive test result

  Please follow the guidance on our testing and isolation page, which includes notifying the Victorian Government and the University's Public Health Network to access support and latest health advice.

  • Seek medical advice as required.
  • If you are having serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call 000.
• How do I dispose of my test?
  • If your RAT was negative, throw away all your kit components in your household rubbish bin.
  • If your RAT was positive, place all the kit components into a separate bag, seal the bag and throw into the rubbish.

Questions about face masks

• Do I need to wear a mask on campus?

  You are welcome to wear a face mask anywhere on campus for personal and community safety.

  The University continues to require face masks in certain settings. Please follow the link below to access the latest advice and requirements for face masks on campus.

  Current face mask advice

• What type of mask is available from the vending machines?

  The vending machines dispense Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) approved P2 masks (or equivalent).

  Surgical masks are available at key locations around campus (eg libraries) for staff, students and visitors attending campus who have forgotten or don’t have access to a mask and want to wear one.

• How many face masks can I purchase at once?

  You can purchase face masks in packs of two (2) at the discounted prices listed here:

  Item	Quantity	Price
  Rapid antigen test	1	$2.70
  P2 mask	2	$2.20

• How do I wear a face mask effectively?

  Find out more about face masks, including the different types available and how to wear them effectively.