The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended an additional winter booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccination for people aged 50 years and over to protect people from hospitalisation and severe illness.
In addition, people aged 30 to 49 years can now elect to receive a winter booster to further maintain their immunity.
The winter booster dose had previously been recommended for people aged over 65 years and high-risk groups who had received their primary vaccination course and first booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
A winter booster dose is now recommended for the following groups:
- all adults aged 50 years and older;
- residents of aged care or disability care facilities;
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and older; and
- people aged 16 years and older with severe immunocompromise (refer to the ATAGI statement on third primary dose in individuals who are severely immunocompromised).
The winter booster dose can now be given three months after the person has received their third dose, or three months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection, if the infection has occurred since the person’s third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The rollout of the expanded eligibility will start on Monday July 11, 2022.
COVID-19 vaccines are available at participating GPs, pharmacies and State-run vaccination clinics. Bookings are encouraged and can be made via the Roll up for WA website.
Vaccines available for the additional winter booster dose aligns with current COVID-19 vaccine boosters being:
- Pfizer or Moderna are the preferred vaccines;
- AstraZeneca can be used under certain circumstances; and
- Novavax can be used if no other COVID-19 vaccine is considered suitable for that person.
For more information people can refer to the ATAGI statement or consult their GP or health professional.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“This is an important recommendation that will further protect at risk groups from severe illness and reduce hospitalisations related to COVID-19.
“Western Australia’s leading COVID-19 vaccination rate has helped us with the soft landing, and today’s advice will further protect Western Australians.
“The winter booster is now recommended for 50 to 64 year olds, but we also strongly encourage those 30 to 49 to take up the chance to get a fourth dose and further boost their immunity.
“Even if you have had a COVID-19, you can still have a winter booster, three months after your infection.
“If you’re eligible for a winter booster, please take the opportunity to get vaccinated through your GP, pharmacy or State-run clinic.”
