PPE vending machines – rapid antigen tests and P2 masks
Information for students and staff using the personal protective equipment (PPE) vending machines on our Parkville, Southbank or Werribee campuses.
These machines dispense discounted rapid antigen tests (RATs) and P2 masks.
The University is providing access to RATs and P2 masks on campus to support early detection and management of COVID‑19 across our community.
Vending machines on our Parkville, Southbank and Werribee campuses offer easy access to discounted RATs and P2 masks for students and staff.
Please do not come to campus if you are unwell. Please ask someone to collect a RAT from campus on your behalf or visit a community collection point.
Vending machine locations
| Campus | Building number | Building name | Vending machine location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parkville | 159 | Arts & Cultural Building | Ground floor, informal study area |
| Parkville | 199 | 757 Swanston St | Level 1 foyer, near lift |
| Parkville | 105 | FBE Building | Ground floor foyer |
| Parkville | 102 | David Penington Building | Room G36A |
| Southbank | 863 | The Hub | Near ground floor toilets |
| Werribee | 418 | Learning and Teaching Building | Near walkway to Parasitology Building |
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:
- Tap credit card on vending machine card reader
- Select bay number using the number pad below the card reader
- 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 $1.00 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.
- 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 our guidance for COVID-19 cases to access the latest health advice and support options.
- 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.
- 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 $1.00 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.