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COVID-19 Booster Vaccines

Vaccine

A booster vaccination can be given 5 or more months after your first 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Studies show that the immunity created by COVID-19 vaccines begins to wane over time. A booster dose helps to strengthen your immune system and improve your long-term protection against serious illness from the COVID-19 virus.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are recommended as boosters in Australia.

COVID-19 booster vaccines are not mandatory but they are highly recommended as they continue to protect you, your loved ones and your community against COVID-19.

For people who are severely immunocompromised due to certain treatments or conditions, a third dose is recommended 2 months after the second dose as part of a primary course to achieve similar levels of protection. If you think you need a third dose vaccination due to being severely immunocompromised, speak to your GP.

People who are recommended to receive a third primary dose of a COVID-19 vaccine are not yet recommended to have an additional booster dose. Further advice on boosters in this group will be provided by ATAGI.

From 11 December 2021, ATAGI says the weight of evidence suggests that a booster vaccine increases antibody levels substantially and this will likely offer protection against both Delta and the Omicron variant.

Click here for details of booster eligibility

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Who is eligible?

You are eligible for a booster vaccination if you are:

  • Fully vaccinated (have received 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine), 

  • aged 18 years and over, and

  • received your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 5 months ago. 

In some circumstances, you may be able to bring forward your booster vaccination to 5 months after your second dose, including:

  • patients with a greater risk of severe COVID-19 in outbreak settings

  • people travelling overseas who will be away when their booster dose is due

  • people involved in outreach vaccination programs where access is limited.

You will need to bring proof of vaccination for dose 1 and 2 to your booster appointment. Accepted proof includes your COVID-19 certificate or immunisation record.

Appointments for eligible people to have COVID-19 booster vaccines are now available at Annandale Family Doctors.

For other questions about booster vaccines, click here.

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