ATAGI have expanded the groups recommended to receive a COVID-19 winter booster dose to now include:
- Any adult (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) aged 50 years and older
- Aged care or disability care residents aged 16 years and older
- Individuals aged 16 years and older with severe immunocompromise, disability or complex health need, or those with multiple comorbidities which may increase the likelihood of poorer outcomes.
In addition, any adult aged 30- 49 years who wishes to reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 infection may also receive a winter booster dose. The interval recommended between a previous COVID-19 infection or previous booster dose and administration of a winter booster dose is 3 months.
ATAGI has noted with concern that booster dose coverage (first dose and winter dose) has been suboptimal for eligible populations and highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing severe infection and hospitalisation.
To read the updated recommendations in full, please click on the link below:
ATAGI updated recommendations for a winter dose of COVID-19 vaccine