Book Your 4th and 5th COVID Booster Shot NSW
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.
Advice summary
- A 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for adults in the following groups, is recommended if their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection (whichever is the most recent) was 6 months ago or longer, and regardless of the number of prior doses received:
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- Adults aged 18-64 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs.
- ATAGI advises the following groups should consider a 2023 booster dose if their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection (whichever is the most recent) was 6 months ago or longer, and regardless of the number of prior doses received, based on an individual risk benefit assessment with their immunisation provider.
- All Adults aged 18-64 years without risk factors for severe COVID-19
- Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs.
- ATAGI advises that a booster dose is not recommended at this time for children and adolescents aged under the age of 18 who do not have any risk factors for severe COVID-19.
| 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.
Vaccine options
- All currently available COVID-19 vaccines are anticipated to provide benefit as a booster dose
- Bivalent mRNA booster vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) are preferred over other vaccines.
- COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with influenza and other vaccines.
- Administration of a 2023 COVID-19 booster dose should aim to occur prior to June 2023 and at a time of 6 months or greater following the most recent COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection.
Anticipated benefits of a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster dose
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.
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. There is no waiting list.
Please wear a mask when you attend the practice.
