COVID-19 winter booster available to more after ATAGI update

Winter COVID-19 vaccine boosters are now available to Australians aged 30-49 and recommended for over-50s.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommendations were updated on Thursday to help reduce severe disease from the emerging surge of new Omicron subvariant infections.

The rollout of the expanded eligibility started on Monday, with vaccines available from participating GPs, pharmacies and State-run vaccination clinics.

Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the updated recommendations were important to protect at-risk groups.

“WA’s leading COVID-19 vaccination rate has helped us with the soft landing, and today’s advice will further protect Western Australians,” she said.

“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.”

The winter booster can be given three months after a third vaccine dose, or three months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection if the infection came after a third dose.

ATAGI stressed in its statement that those previously eligible for the winter booster remain at higher risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19 and should get the fourth jab as soon as possible.

That includes adults aged 65 or 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 immunocompromisation.