ATAGI have released new recommendations for the administration of COVID-19 booster doses in 2023. This advice replaces the previous booster dose recommendations.
Evidence shows that emerging Omicron subvariants have decreased the protection provided by previous doses of vaccines and/or reduced the length of protection. With winter approaching, administration of COVID-19 booster doses aims to prevent severe infections as well as hospitalisations.
ATAGI particularly recommends booster doses for:
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- Adults aged 18-64 years who have a medical condition which may increase their risk of experiencing severe symptoms if infected.
The following groups should also consider a booster dose:
- All adults aged 18-64 years
- Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years with disability or medical conditions which may increase their risk of experiencing severe symptoms if infected.
Vaccines can be administered any time from 6 months since the last dose of vaccine or 6 months since confirmed infection (whichever is later), ideally before June. All of the COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia provide protection, however bivalent mRNA vaccines are the preferred choice for booster doses in eligible groups:
- Pfizer’s bivalent vaccine can be administered from 12 years of age
- Moderna’s bivalent vaccine can be administered from 18 years of age
- Ages 5-11 years can receive age-appropriate doses of original vaccines.
For more information refer to ATAGI 2023 booster advice