Confusion reigns on boosters as vaccination clinics close for Christmas

Confused yet? Vaccination clinics will be closed for a Christmas-new year break, but they also are giving mixed messages on exactly who should get a booster shot.

The drive to get the population vaccinated is taking a Christmas-new year break as major SA Health clinics close down.

Wayville’s last appointment of the year is on December 20 before it reopens 14 days later, on January 4. Other clinics are having similar breaks.

The shutdown comes despite expensive advertising campaigns and regular exhortations from leaders ranging from Premier Steven Marshall to chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier about the important of vaccination and the drive to have at least 90 per cent of the eligible population vaccinated to further reduce restrictions.

There is also considerable confusion on SA Health bookings sites about exactly who should get the booster shot.

The Wayville booking site states: “ATAGI recommends a third dose of Covid-19 vaccine as part of the primary course ONLY in individuals who are severely immunocompromised. Please check your eligibility for a third dose.”

But the Noarlunga booking site states: “You are only eligible for a booster dose of Covid-19 vaccine if you are 18 and over and you have completed your primary Covid-19 vaccine course (ie. for most people, received a second dose of Covid-19 vaccine) more than six months ago. For more information on eligibility, please refer to the Department of Health website.”

SA Health’s own website advises that: “Covid-19 vaccine booster doses are recommended to maintain immunity against the virus.

“All people aged 18 and over who have had their second dose of a Covid-19 vaccine at least six months ago are eligible for a Pfizer Covid-19 booster dose.

“Anyone can receive their booster dose at SA Health vaccination clinics and participating GPs, pharmacies, and respiratory clinics.”

A statement from SA Health says: “Our vaccination clinics are in the process of updating their systems to provide more availability for third doses and boosters; we anticipate more appointments will be available shortly. In the meantime, eligible people can walk into one of our many walk-in clinics to receive their booster dose.

“Planning is underway for vaccine clinic opening hours during the Christmas period.”

COVID VACCINATION BOOSTERS – ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Many South Australians are nearing the six-month mark since their second jab. Here’s the answers you need. 

Who can get a booster shot?
The booster is available to anyone over 18 years old who had their second dose more than six months ago.

What type of vaccine is the booster?
The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine is used, AstraZeneca is some circumstances. Moderna is not yet approved for booster doses.
 
What if I have had a different vaccine for my first two shots, for example AstraZeneca?
You can have the Pfizer vaccine as a booster dose regardless of which vaccine you had for your first two doses. You can also receive the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) vaccine if you can’t have the Pfizer vaccine for medical reasons.

Are booster doses mandatory?
Booster doses are not mandatory, however they are recommended to maintain immunity.

How much do booster doses cost?
They are free.

Is the booster safe?
The Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation have approved the booster shots for people aged 18 and over. TGA approval means the vaccine has been found safe and effective to boost protection through a third booster dose provided at least six months after the second dose.

Where can I get a booster shot?
Anyone can receive their booster dose at participating GPs, pharmacies and respiratory clinics and you can find a clinic by visiting the SA Health vaccination clinics and sites page. From December 1, anyone due will be able to get their booster dose at SA Health vaccination clinics. You can find a clinic here.

Do I have to get my booster dose at the same place I got my other doses?
You can get your booster at any location that is giving them.

I am immunocompromised; can I get a booster dose?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommend that people who are severely immunocompromised aged 12 and over have a third dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. This is to increase the level of immunity for severely immunocompromised people to as close as possible to the general population.

I am fully vaccinated, why should I get a booster dose?
The federal Health Department advises that: “Two doses of Covid-19 vaccine provide very good protection, especially against severe disease. A booster dose will make sure the protection from the first dose is even stronger and longer lasting, and should help prevent spread of the virus. A booster dose increases your protection against infection with the virus that causes Covid-19, severe disease, and dying from Covid-19.”

Will aged care residents have to organise their own booster shots?
A booster program will be rolled out in residential aged care facilities. Because elderly residents were prioritised for early vaccination, many are now due for their booster dose. 

Will people with disability who lived in shared accommodation have to organise their own booster shots?
A booster program will be rolled out 

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