Fifth Covid jab: Who is eligible

A fifth Covid booster will be available for many Australians. Find out when and if you’re eligible.

It may feel as though Covid has been largely out of the spotlight in recent months, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still wreaking havoc around the country.

As the health sector continues to grapple with consistently high numbers of Covid cases, the government has now given the green light for a fifth Covid booster.

ATAGI has given the green light for a fifth Covid booster. Picture: Getty Images

The decision comes off the back of advice from Australia’s expert vaccine advisory body, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

It’s not available to everyone though, and almost half of those eligible haven’t even had their fourth jab yet.

Around three-quarters of the eligible population over 16 have had three shots, with announcement also opening the door for a fourth jab for those previously ineligible.

WHO’S ELIGIBLE FOR ANOTHER BOOSTER?

Essentially, all Australians over 18 who haven’t had a Covid vaccination or been infected with Covid within the past six months will be eligible to get an additional booster shot. All adults are eligible regardless of how many vaccine doses they’ve had.

If you’re over 30 and have had your fourth Covid jab, you’ll now be able to get a fifth dose of the vaccine.

Adults of all ages will be eligible for an additional booster, regardless of how many they’ve had previously. Picture: Getty Images

Previously, a fifth shot was only available for people who were severely immunocompromised.

The announcement also means people between the ages of 18 and 29 will be eligible for a fourth dose of a vaccine.

An additional booster won’t be available to children, unless they have a health condition that puts them at specific risk.

ATAGI has advised everyone over 65, as well as younger adults who have medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs, to get the extra jab.

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. Picture: Getty Images

WHAT BOOSTER SHOULD YOU GET?

While ATAGI has recommended the use of Omicron-specific mRNA booster vaccines, the group said all available vaccines would still provide a benefit.

“The Government has secured millions of doses of Omicron-specific boosters, with millions more arriving this month, in the largest one-month arrival since late 2021,” Health Minister Mark Butler said.

WHEN CAN I GET MY ADDITIONAL DOSE?

The booster shot is available to all adults who haven’t had a booster or an infection in the previous six months, from February 20.

Mr Butler said the booster would provide additional protection against severe illness from Covid.