In response to the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 disease and it’s community transmission within Australia, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has updated recommendations for the timing of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses.
These updated recommendations are based on strong evidence indicating that booster doses are likely to increase protection against infection with the Omicron variant, as well as reassuring international data on the safety of administering early booster doses.
These recommendations include:
- all adults (≥ 18 years) should receive a single booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine
- booster doses can be administered as early as 3 months following the completion of a primary course
- timely booster doses for pregnant women is recommended
- immunocompromised individuals who have received a 3-dose primary course should also receive a booster dose 3 months after the date of their 3rd dose
- Comirnaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna) are the preferred brands for booster doses. Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) can be used as a booster dose for individuals with a contraindication to receiving Comirnaty or Spikevax.
ATAGI also encourages anyone aged 12 years or older who is unvaccinated to receive COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.
To read the latest update in full please refer to
ATAGI Statement on the Omicron variant and the timing of COVID-19 booster vaccination