Omicron, booster vaccines and rapid antigen tests explained: Your mega guide

Confused about when you should get a booster or what to do if you have had Omicron? Where to get a rapid test? See our full guide for the answers.

Are you confused about getting a booster if you have had Omicron? See our full guide for the answers to your questions about Covid-19, booster shots and rapid antigen tests.

Where can I find a rapid antigen test?

‘Find a RAT’, developed by Matt Hayward from software agency PipeLabs, allows people to access data on which chemists and supermarkets in their local areas have stock available.

Currently, the website’s data is crowdsourced from user reports, who are able to mark a store green for ‘in stock’, orange for ‘low stock’, or red for ‘no stock’.

Users can search via postcode to find local data.

Find a RAT has been launched to help Australians locate a rapid antigen test.

I’ve had Omicron. Should I get a booster?

Yes, you should still get a third dose of the Covid vaccine as soon as you are eligible.

Should I get a rapid test or a PCR?

You should still do a PCR test at a Covid clinic if your rapid test is positive or if you are a close contact of a Covid positive person, or are showing mild symptoms of the virus.

Is Omicron more severe than Delta?

International studies have shown Omicron is a more milder variant than Delta, with London’s Imperial College finding Omicron cases were 15 per cent less likely to attend hospital, and up to 40 per cent less likely to stay a night or more.

However, the variant is much more infectious than delta, which is causing many more cases, and hospitals are under pressure as a result.

What are the Covid/Omicron symptoms you shouldn’t ignore?

These are the most common or early warning signs of Omicron.

● Scratchy throat

● Lower back pain

● Runny nose/congestion

● Headache

● Fatigue

● Sneezing

● Night sweats

● Body aches

How long does Omicron last?

It is still unclear - early studies suggest it may be shorter than Delta, but it is still unknown.

How infectious is Omicron?

It replicates very, very quickly and may be up to three times more infectious than Delta.

When are you at your most infectious?

People with Covid-19 are most infectious before they develop symptoms.

What do I do after I have tested positive?

RAPID TESTS AND BOOSTERS

Why do we need booster shots?

Studies have shown that antibody levels after the second vaccination decline with time making them less effective for protecting a person from infection with Covid.

Boosting your antibody levels - with the booster shot - will provide you added protection against Omicron, which is highly infectious.

What is the most reliable test - rapid or PCR?

Rapid tests are a much faster way to test for Covid, but are not as reliable as PCR tests, especially if you don’t have symptoms.

How do I use a rapid test?

When do I get a test?

If you have any of the Covid symptoms - fever , chills, sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, or change in taste or smell - get a test. If you are getting a PCR test, return home and isolate until you have the results.

What booster jabs are available?

Both Pfizer and Moderna are available and are considered safe and effective, and you can receive either one regardless of the vaccine you had for your first two doses.

Is Novavax available in Australia yet?

The Novavax vaccine will be available later this month. Health Minister Greg Hunt said in December that assuming the TGA gave final approvals, it will add to Australia’s Covid arsenal this summer.

When can I get my booster shot?

As of January 4, you are eligible for a booster vaccine if you are 18 years of age or older and have had your second dose of your original Covid-19 vaccination at least four months ago.

At the end of January the interval drops to three months, so many younger adults will become eligible then.

Where can I get my booster shot?

See the list of chemists, GP clinics and other providers below.

How do I book my booster?

If you search “book Covid booster” online you will find the links to that allow you to organise an online booking vis the Australian Government site, pharmacies, or your state health website.

Originally published as Omicron, booster vaccines and rapid antigen tests explained: Your mega guide