Many Queenslanders to be eligible for a fifth Covid-19 jab from February 20

Experts say confirmation of a fifth Covid-19 vaccine for some Queenslanders is a “welcome announcement” following the recurring emergence of new variants. See when you can get the latest shot.

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Queenslanders will be eligible for a fifth Covid-19 vaccine from February 20 following the federal government’s decision to implement recommendations from the government’s immunisation advisory group.

Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, announced in a statement on Wednesday that all adults in Australia will be eligible for the 2023 Covid-19 booster dose, previously only made available to severely immunocompromised adults.

“The Australian Government has accepted advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) that all adults who have not had a COVID-19 booster or a confirmed case in the past six months can now get another booster to give them additional protection against severe illness from Covid,” the statement read.

“The ATAGI experts have particularly recommended that everyone at risk of severe illness – that is, everyone aged 65 years and over as well as younger adults who have medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs – have a 2023 booster dose.”

The Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler has accepted recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on a fifth booster COVID-19 vaccine. (Photo by Martin Ollman/Getty Images)

Australians aged 18 to 29, will now also be eligible for a fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine with only those aged 30 and above previously eligible for the second booster shot.

University of Queensland Professor Paul Griffin said the newly announced booster shot is a “welcome announcement” following the recurring emergence of new variants.

“We know that protection from our vaccines, whilst it’s excellent, does wane over time to a degree and we also know that the situation has changed significantly with the ongoing evolution of the virus,” he said.

“So those things do mean it’s time to boost that protection and to try and do so with an updated vaccine,

“We have a number of updated vaccine options now which are likely to be at least a little bit better than the original vaccines to in terms of protection against the some variants that are circulating at the moment.”

In Queensland, despite 91.9% of people having received two Covid-19 vaccinations, only 47.4% of people over 30 have received the recommended fourth jab, with experts predicting that some will be reluctant to get an additional booster.

“There’ll be many people that aren’t keen to get another dose and that’s an individual decision,” Professor Griffin said.

“For many people, their perception of risk of Covid has plummeted, so even a very small risk from vaccination seems like it outweighs the risks from Covid, but we know Covid hasn’t gone away, and so we still need to protect, particularly the most vulnerable people.

“I think we do need to back up this announcement with a lot of good education so people can get the facts on the risks and benefits and to be very confident that the benefits do outweigh the risk and to address a lot of misinformation that’s circulating.”

University of Queensland Professor Paul Griffin. Source: Supplied

The newest booster will not be provided for those under the age of 18, following advice from the advisory body.

“ATAGI have advised that otherwise healthy children and teenagers do not need a booster at this time, given the low incidence of severe illness and high level of hybrid immunity amongst this cohort,” Mr Butler said.

“In keeping with ATAGI advice, an additional booster will not be provided for under 18’s, except where children aged 5 to 17 have health conditions that would put them at risk of severe illness.”