Western Australians will be among the first in the nation to ‘Roll up’ for the COVID-19 booster vaccine.
From tomorrow, Monday (November 1), anyone aged 18 and over who is fully vaccinated, having received their second dose at least six months ago, is able to access the booster vaccine from a State-run clinic, with no appointment.
Earlier this week, the Commonwealth announced the Pfizer vaccine had received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to be used as a booster vaccine.
The Moderna and AstraZeneca vaccines have not been recommended for booster doses at this stage. Although not preferred, AstraZeneca can be used as a booster in some circumstances – people are encouraged to talk to their GP about this option.
The booster shot is not mandatory and does not apply to the recently announced Mandatory Vaccination Policy, however people are urged to consider the booster as it provides further protection against the worst effects of COVID-19.
People can visit https://www.rollup.wa.gov.au to register and book their vaccination appointments. People are now also able to drop-in into more than 100 locations across WA and get vaccinated without an appointment. Visit HealthyWA website for location information.
In the event clinics are busy, people who are there to receive a first or second dose will be prioritised.
More than 3 million vaccinations have been administered in WA with more than 1.3 million Western Australians now fully vaccinated.
The booster doses will not be included in WA’s overall vaccination rates, as, based on ATAGI advice, a person is considered ‘fully vaccinated’ once they have completed a first and second dose.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“While not mandatory, I strongly encourage Western Australians to ‘Roll up’ for the booster vaccine if they’re eligible.
“Western Australia is among the first to open up booster vaccines for all those aged 18 and over who have been fully vaccinated having received their second dose six months ago.
“The third dose will further help protect you, your family and our community.
“WA needs to be prepared for COVID-19 to enter and if you haven’t yet been vaccinated – the time is now.
“Don’t wait for the deadly Delta variant to enter before you consider getting the vaccine. Get the COVID-19 vaccine now.”
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“It is important to get a booster shot when you become eligible for the third dose.
“Don’t undo the protection you have had for the past year from getting the first two doses.
“The first people vaccinated in WA were our frontline workers and some of the most vulnerable people in our State.
“We need them to continue to stay safe.”
As stated by Vaccine Commander Commissioner Chris Dawson:
“It is important to follow the health advice when it comes to vaccination – we know it is our best defence against this virus.
“I encourage anyone aged 18 and older who completed their primary course of COVID-19 vaccination at least six months ago to once again roll up for WA and get their booster dose.
“This is particularly important for people in residential aged care facilities.”
