The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is recommending people get their fourth jab to protect against Covid-19 infections this winter.
ATAGI recommends the additional booster for those who are at greatest risk of severe illness from Covid-19 and who have received their primary vaccination and first booster dose including adults aged 65 years and older, residents of aged care or disability care facilities, people aged 16 years and older with severe immunocompromise and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and older.
People are eligible for the winter booster four months after they have received their first booster dose or four months after a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, if infection occurred since the person’s first Covid-19 booster dose.
The additional booster dose roll out starts in April to coincide with the roll out of the 2022 influenza vaccination program, with the option to get the additional booster and the influenza vaccine simultaneously.
Pfizer and Moderna are the preferred vaccines for Covid-19 booster doses including the additional winter booster dose.
ATAGI will continue to investigate the benefits of an additional booster dose for those who are not at greatest risk of severe illness from Covid-19, including people younger than 65 with medical conditions that may increase their risk of Covid-19.
“Prevention of severe illness from Covid-19 remains the primary goal of the ongoing Covid-19 vaccination program,” the ATAGI said.
“These recommendations for an additional booster dose focus on protecting the most vulnerable groups against severe disease and reducing the potential burden on the healthcare system over the coming months.”
All people aged 16 years and older are recommended to receive a first booster dose of Covid-19 vaccine after completing their primary course.
