Your questions answered on Covid vaccination booster shots in SA
Am I entitled to a Covid vaccination booster shot? Can I have a different jab to my previous two? Now that booster shots are available, here are some key questions answered.
Coronavirus
Don't miss out on the headlines from Coronavirus. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Many South Australians are nearing the six-month mark since their second jab, which means they are now entitled to booster shots. Here are 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 a disability who lived in shared accommodation have to organise their own booster shots?
A booster program will be rolled out for people with a disability who live in shared residential accommodation.
‘It can be fatal’: Health warning for SA babies as RSV spike climbs
A health alert has been issued to SA parents after a shock spike in RSV cases presenting to emergency rooms – with more than half being young children under the age of 5.
New emergency ‘threats’ putting SA at risk, landmark inquiry finds
The Covid pandemic, River Murray flood crisis, bushfires and statewide blackout were all declared major emergencies over past 20 years. Now, a major inquiry identifies new threats risking state.