As winter approaches, it’s important at-risk Western Australians are protected against severe illness and hospitalisation due to COVID-19.
That’s why the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended a winter booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccination for particular cohorts, including:
- Adults aged 65 years and older
- Residents of aged or disability care facilities
- First Nations people aged 50 years and over
- People aged 16 years and over who are severely immunocompromised (refer to the ATAGI statement (external link)). This group will be obtaining their fifth dose as part of their winter booster vaccine.
From today, these cohorts can walk-in without an appointment and get their winter booster at COVID-19 vaccination clinics, and will be able to make a booking and get vaccinated in GPs and pharmacies from mid-April.
The winter booster dose can be given:
- Four months or longer after the person has received their third dose (or fourth dose for immunocompromised people)
- Four months after they’ve had COVID-19, if they have had their third dose (fourth dose for immunosuppressed people).
ATAGI does not currently recommend a fourth dose for healthy people who are not in one of the above groups, however people can seek further advice from their GP or health professional.
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.
- Novavax can be used if no other COVID-19 vaccine is considered suitable for that person.
For more information, refer to ATAGI website (external link) or consult your GP or health professional.
