COVID-19 booster shots available from 6 months after your 2nd shot
This is a simplified blog post regarding the COVID-19 booster shots. A more detailed discussion is available in our previous post.
3rd shot vs booster what’s the difference?
- The 3rd shot: This is for immunocompromised people (people who’s immune system is not as active due to a medical condition or medications). This group did not achieve as much immunity with the first 2 shots as the general population and a third shot is seen as part of the primary (original) vaccine doses to bring them up to similar levels of immunity as everyone else. The 3rd shot for immunocompromised people can be given at 2 to 6 months after the second dose.
- The booster: This is for the rest of the adult population, people above 18 years of age with a normal immune system. It is referred to as a booster to differentiate it from the 3rd shot for the immunocompromised. The booster is given at least 6 months after the second dose.
The COVID-19 booster shot
The use of a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot has been approved by the TGA and recommended by ATAGI. Only Pfizer has been approved as a booster at this stage no matter what the first 2 vaccines were. This needs to be given 6 months after dose 2 for people above 18 years.
Individuals who got their vaccines early in the rollout eg: March, April or May should now be eligible.
Vaccine and booster availability
Vaccine availability is not an issue with plentiful supply of both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines. Please check that it is more than 6+ months since your 2nd shot.
COVID-19 booster for going overseas and special circumstances
International travel and some countries in particular continue to have high levels of COVID-19 community spread, thus a booster before travel is a good idea. If you are planning to be overseas when your COVID-19 booster is due, please discuss this with your doctor. If a booster is due within a few weeks a pragmatic view is taken.
Making a booster booking
Making a booking is simple and can be done online using the BOOK NOW button on top of this page or by calling 02 9817 2080. Appointments can be accommodated within a few days and there is no need to make appointments months in advance. There is no waiting list.
As usual, vaccination will occur at our vaccination clinic on level 1 which is accessible by the internal lift or outdoor stairs. . Please follow the signs.
