How to tell if it's time for your next COVID-19 booster shot

Yes, that’s still an important question

Four years since the beginning of the pandemic that changed the world, life has largely returned to normal. But, as experts recommend, it’s important to remain vigilant with how often we protect ourselves against new strains of the virus. 

After four long and testing years, there isn’t a person on Earth who isn’t sick of hearing, reading and talking about COVID-19. The entire media landscape has been consumed by the ongoing devastation and management of the pandemic since it first rocked the world. 

For years, our global healthcare systems were pushed to their limits, struggling to keep up with the exponentially rising case numbers and mortality rates. Enforced lockdown periods and containment measures impacted the everyday lives of citizens around the world, influencing our economies, political landscapes to day-to-day movements.

Now, almost five years on from the first confirmed cases, things have largely returned back to pre-pandemic function – or at least we’d all like to believe so. 

However, as health professionals will explain, the presence of COVID-19 – and our subsequent need to protect ourselves against it – is far from a distant memory. 

While we may no longer be required to check in with our details every time we enter a restaurant, or wear a mask on our commute home from work, the pandemic still very much looms large, with new cases tallying every day. 

As we’ve experienced since the beginning of 2020, the virus has an unwavering ability to spread, mutate, and linger across communities, with new strains appearing every few months. 

How many COVID-19 shots do I need?

If you cast your mind back to the dreaded days of lockdowns, you’ll remember the national regulations requiring Aussies to show their proof of vaccination (and a subsequent booster shot) to get into venues, travel, and attend their place of employment. 

The regulations not only promoted Australians to promptly get themselves vaccinated against the virus, but also to regularly receive their booster injections to uphold their vaccinated status. As a result, most adults across the country have already received their primary and secondary doses. 

In general, adult Australians without risk factors are urged to have one primary dose of the vaccine and seek a booster every 12 months. Those with risk factors or severe immunocompromise are recommended to receive 2 or more primary doses, with boosters every 6 to 12 months. 

However, like our use of face masks and antiseptic wipes, the popularity of booster shots has significantly decreased across the nation. 

Are you up-to-date with your vaccination boosters? Image: iStock

How often should you get a Covid booster?

While the vaccination requirements have changed since the onset of the pandemic (i.e. you no longer need to prove your vaccination status to enter your favourite pub), the Australian government still recommends Aussies regularly get a booster shot from their healthcare provider or pharmacist. 

According to health.gov.au, Australians aged between 18 and 64 are eligible for a booster every 12 months, with those aged 65 and older eligible every 6 months. 

It's important to note, that past infections of Covid do not provide sufficient immunity against the same or new strains, and should not deter an individual from regularly getting booster shots.

Are there side effects of the Covid vaccine booster?

While every individual is different, side effects from booster vaccinations should only be mild, with most people reporting temporary tenderness at the site of injection. 

Other side effects may include headache, fatigue, muscle pain, fever and chills, with most subsiding within a few days. If you experience severe side effects following any vaccination or booster shot, visit your GP and monitor symptoms. 

Originally published as How to tell if it's time for your next COVID-19 booster shot