It has been some time since a new COVID-19 dose has been announced. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has updated their recommendation on the COVID-19 booster program and recommended the 2023 dose. This applies to patients 18 years and over as well as children with serious chronic conditions or those considered at risk. For people over the age of 65, this will be their 5th shot.
| Age | At risk | No risk factors |
|---|---|---|
| <5 years | Not recommended | Not recommended |
| 5-17 years | Consider | Not recommended |
| 18-64 years | Recommended | Consider |
| ≥ 65 years | Recommended | Recommended |
Please discuss your suitability for the 2023 booster with your healthcare professional.
An additional COVID-19 booster dose is anticipated to address waning of protection against severe COVID-19 prior to winter. This will provide an increase in protection against severe illness and protect the healthcare system during a time of high demand.
It is recommended to defer vaccination for 6 months following a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, as this, together with prior vaccine doses received, will boost protection against COVID-19. There are no safety concerns for individuals receiving a COVID-19 vaccine who may have had undetected SARS-CoV-2 infection within the past 6 months.
The increase in protection against severe illness from COVID-19 following a booster dose is most beneficial for people at higher risk of severe illness, i.e., older adults (65 years +) and those with serious medical conditions, chronic conditions or immunocompromise.
ATAGI considers a booster dose is most beneficial for all adults aged 65 years and older. The risk of severe disease increases with each decade of age. W
For children and adolescents aged 5-17 years with risk factors for severe illness, a booster dose may be beneficial; decision-making around booster vaccination should be based on an individual risk-benefit assessment with your doctor.
ATAGI continues to recommend a primary course of vaccination against COVID-19, followed by a booster dose for those eligible, even in individuals who have had past infection. Adults who have already been infected with an Omicron subvariant and vaccinated with 3 doses of COVID-19 vaccine are at lower risk of reinfection and hospitalisation compared to those who have been infected but not vaccinated.
Any future doses will be based on the ongoing surveillance of COVID-19 infection rates and clinical outcomes, new variants, and vaccine effectiveness.
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