Fully vaccinated Canberrans aged 18 years and over can now book to receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine at an ACT Government clinic six months after they had their second dose.
Booster doses can be booked by anyone who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccination more than six months ago at an ACT Government facility or through a participating GP or pharmacy.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said boosters were an important part of the ACT’s move into the next phase of the vaccination program.
“Booster doses extend your protection against COVID-19 and will help keep you, your loved ones and our community safer for longer,” Mr Barr said.
“Canberrans have shown an amazing enthusiasm for getting vaccinated and we expect that this will carry over into the booster program.
“Following advice from ATAGI that people can get their booster dose six months after their second dose we are pleased to offer boosters to eligible individuals at ACT Government COVID-19 vaccination clinics.”
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said it is important to help keep our community safe by getting a booster shot at the appropriate time.
“Booster doses are anticipated to increase protection from severe disease, particularly in older people, and may also reduce the potential of infected individuals to transmit the virus to others,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“People who had their second dose at an ACT Government COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be contacted by ACT Health when they become eligible for a booster dose.
“At this stage, bookings will only be made at ACT Government clinics for those who were fully vaccinated before the end of June, and only for the Pfizer vaccine. These bookings can be made online through MyDHR or by calling the COVID-19 vaccination booking line on 02 5124 7700.
“The COVID-19 vaccine booster program is in addition to the ongoing third-dose program for immunocompromised people, where an extra dose is required to complete the regular course of vaccination for a specific group of vulnerable Australians.”
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advises that those most likely to benefit from a booster dose are people with risk factors for severe COVID-19 and those at increased occupational risk of COVID-19. Notably, people aged 50 years and older, those with underlying medical conditions, residents of aged care and disability facilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults.
ATAGI has recommended the Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine for COVID-19 booster vaccinations. It can be administered to eligible individuals regardless of which vaccine they received for their first two doses. AstraZeneca can also be used as a booster dose for people who received AstraZeneca for their first two doses or who had a significant adverse reaction to a previous mRNA vaccine.
To find your best option to access a booster dose visit the Commonwealth’s vaccine finder at www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-vaccine-clinic-finder
People who are unsure about getting a booster dose should speak to their GP or another trusted health care professional to make an informed decision.
There will be further announcements about when bookings at ACT Government COVID-19 vaccination clinics will open for those people who received a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine after the end of June.
