Booster confusion rife as states, ATAGI advice differs

Conflicting advice on when you should receive your booster shot has caused mass confusion. Find out when you should get it here.

Advice from the leading experts on immunisation on booster shots has been called into question by the former deputy chief medical officer.

Differing advice from states, health experts and the federal government has caused mass confusion about when people who have had Covid should get their booster.

NSW has recommended four to six weeks, Victoria’s advice is six weeks, but the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has said you should wait until you’re over symptoms.

Conflicting advice has led to people delaying when they book in their third shot. Picture: Brendan Radke

Speaking with the Today show, Dr Nick Coatsworth raised questions over the body’s advice.

“I don't even think ATAGI has got solid advice on this,” he said.

“You will get immunity for a period after acquiring Covid infection, so you certainly don't need your booster straight away.

“I don't think there’s any harm in getting it in about four to five weeks afterwards, but I think the current recommendation is somewhere in the order of three to six months, but we’d have to get that information perfectly for you.”

His advice is a significant departure from his former colleague, deputy chief medical officer Michael Kidd, who told reporters in Canberra that people should not be waiting to receive a booster.

Dr Coatsworth claims there is no need to rush to get your booster. Picture Gary Ramage

“People who’ve been infected with Covid-19 (should) receive their booster within four months of that infection,” he said.

“But (ATAGI) did reinforce that people are eligible for their vaccine once their symptoms have resolved from their acute infection with Covid-19 and people should not be waiting to get that booster vaccine.

“Particularly at this time when we have such widespread Covid-19 through the Omicron variant in the community.”

More than four million Australians became eligible for the booster shot on Monday after Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed the timeframe between the second and third dose had been reduced to three months.

Some states and territories had already made the switch, but Monday’s announcement brought consistency to the program nationwide.

Mr Hunt urged people to come forward for their third shot.

“Now is the time. Please don’t wait. We encourage everyone to come forward,” he told reporters in Canberra.