Covid booster vaccines now available to Victorians

Victorians who were fully jabbed six months ago are eligible for their boosters, with pharmacies also approved to administer Pfizer shots.

Victorians who had their second Covid-19 jab at least six months ago will be eligible for a booster shot from Monday.

Pharmacies have also been given the green light to begin administering Pfizer vaccines this week.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the booster rollout would initially target groups that were prioritised for early vaccination, such as people in residential aged care and disability facilities.

“It is important people know that two doses of Covid-19 vaccine provide very good protection, especially against severe disease,” Mr Hunt said.

“A booster dose, six or more months after the second dose, will make sure that the protection from the first doses is even stronger and longer lasting and should help prevent spread of the virus.”

Victorians are now eligible to receive their booster Covid shots. Picture: David Geraghty

More than 173,000 Pfizer booster doses have already been administered.

Up to 300 Victorian pharmacies, which have placed orders for Pfizer doses, are expected to begin administering jabs this week.

While Moderna is yet to be approved for booster shots, 860 GP clinics have been invited to begin administering Moderna for people’s initial course this month.

Mr Hunt said all primary care sites around the country will progressively be able to offer all three Covid-19 vaccines approved for use in Australia.

He said this would increase choice and make it easier for whole families to get vaccinated at the same time.

Severely immunocompromised people, who have had a third dose to complete their primary vaccination course, are not recommended for a booster shot.

More than 150,000 third doses have been administered since regulators recommended the additional dose last month.