Covid boosters: What you need to know as eligibility changes

Two major changes for the Covid booster vaccine will happen in January – with one starting today. Here is what you need to know.

An additional 3.75 million Australians will become eligible for their Covid booster vaccine on Tuesday, as the criteria changes.

Those that have had their second dose of the vaccine four months ago will be eligible for the booster from January 4. It was previously five months and before that, six months.

“So far, we’ve had over 2.5 million boosters,” Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Monday.

“And we will go from 4.25 million Australians who are eligible to eight million Australians.”

He encouraged all of those eligible to book in.

“There is enough vaccine for every Australian to have their booster already in the country and all orders are being met,” Mr Hunt said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt says there is enough vaccine in the country for everyone in Australia to have a booster. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ David Crosling

On January 31, the booster eligibility will again be changed to three months after your second dose of the Covid vaccine.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation advised the government to bring forward the eligibility for booster doses to increase protection against infection with the Omicron variant.

Mr Hunt said on Monday the latest advice from Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly was that it was “now clear that Omicron is both more transmissible and less severe”.

Who is eligible for a booster?

The booster can only be given to those 18 years and over, four months after they’ve had their second Covid vaccine dose.

How do I know when I had my second vaccine dose?

You can check the date on your vaccination certificate.

Why do I need to get a booster if I’m fully vaccinated?

If you do not get a booster dose, your level of immunity to Covid may reduce.

A booster dose increases your protection against infection, severe disease and dying from Covid.

ATAGI has advised eligibility be brought forward to protect from the Omicron variant. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

Which booster should I get?

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved and recommended the Pfizer and Modena mRNA vaccines for the booster dose.

You can have either regardless of what vaccine you had for your first two doses.

It is not preferred but you can also receive the AstraZeneca booster vaccine if you have had two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine previously or if a significant adverse reaction has occurred after a previous mRNA vaccine dose, which contraindicates further doses of mRNA vaccine.

Are boosters mandatory?

No, booster doses are not mandated by the government but are strongly recommended.

Are boosters free?

Yes, it’s free for everyone in Australia. Your Medicare or visa status does not matter.

Booster vaccines are free for every Australian regardless of Medicare or visa status. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Adam Yip

What if I’m immunocompromised?

Immunocompromised people who have received three primary doses of a Covid vaccine are now recommended to receive a booster dose in line with the timing for the general population. This has changed from previous advice.

What if I’m pregnant?

Pregnant women over 18 who received their first two vaccine doses are recommended to have a booster dose.

How do I book?

To book an appointment, speak to your doctor, visit the Vaccine Clinic Finder or call 1800 020 080. For interpreting services, call 131 450.