All you need to know about COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots

As Australia's response to the spread of COVID-19 continues amid the emergence of the Omicron variant, the push towards booster shots is in full swing. Here's what you need to know.

The Coordinator General of Operation COVID Shield Lieutenant General John Frewen receives his COVID-19 vaccination booster dose in Canberra. Source: AAPAAP Image/Lukas Coch

High vaccination rates across Australia's states and territories have seen the resumption of international travel and the lifting of lockdown restrictions.

As a result, case numbers have risen as expected, and due to the spread of the highly infectious Omicron and Delta variants, health authorities are calling for people to receive a booster shot to gain greater protection.

The vaccine technology underlying the booster shots is the same as the first and second vaccine doses.

“Boosters are very important to give that extra immunity, particularly as the Omicron variant is likely to spread around the world," Health Department secretary Brendan Murphy said in December.

Booster campaigns

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt in early December launched a nationwide booster shot campaign ahead of the festive season, and Australians are being urged to receive the dose as early as possible amid concern that many double-vaccinated people may have limited protection against the Omicron variant.

As a result, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) brought forward the recommended timing of a booster shot from four months after the primary vaccination to three.

The date you had your second dose of vaccine is on your COVID-19 digital certificate. 

ATAGI also approved a Moderna vaccine to be used alongside Pfizer as a booster.

To encourage participation, federal and state governments are running various booster campaigns in the country.

Booster doses for the elderly

The government advisory says people 70 years of age and older, those 60 years and older with chronic medical conditions, people with weakened immune systems and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 50 years and older with a chronic medical condition are at higher risk of serious illness if exposed to coronavirus.

PM Scott Morrison received his COVID-19 booster vaccination alongside Jane Malysiak in NSW. Source: SMH POOL

This risk of infection is particularly higher with the Delta and Omicron variants and vaccines considerably lower the risk of severe illness or death due to the virus. 

Older Australians were among the first to receive the booster vaccine in the national rollout.

Australians above the age of 16 are eligible for either booster vaccination approved by the government.

Residents in aged care facilities can receive their preliminary and booster vaccinations at Commonwealth clinics.

Residential facilities will discuss the appointment with residents or their substitute decision-makers as part of the rollout.

Find further advice on vaccination for residential aged care residents here, or book a booster here.

Vaccination for children

Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program was extended to all children aged 5 to 11 from 10 January and bookings are available. 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration and ATAGI approved the Pfizer vaccine for children between these ages.

This approval is based on the results of a recent clinical trial demonstrating that the vaccine is highly effective and that most side effects are mild and transient, ATAGI said in a statement.

Jabs are available through GPs, Aboriginal Health Services, community pharmacies, and state and territory clinics.

Vaccinating children can help reduce community transmission and prevent them passing the virus onto the wider community. Source: Getty Images

ATAGI has recommended an eight-week interval between the two vaccine doses, but this can be shortened to three weeks in special circumstances such as outbreak settings.

Children aged five to 11 years with medical risk factors for severe illness, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children living in crowded conditions or outbreak areas are most likely to benefit from COVID-19 vaccination given their increased risk of severe outcomes and/or exposure, ATAGI said.

Children in this age bracket who have previously had COVID-19 can receive the vaccine after they have recovered from their illness.

The recommended dosage for children will differ from that given to adults, from a dose of 10 micrograms compared to 30 micrograms for those aged 12 or older.

Children who turn 12 after their first dose may receive the adolescent/adult formation of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to complete their primary vaccine course.

Where do I find more help?

After Omicron was declared a 'variant of concern' by the World Health Organization, the federal government renewed its efforts to create awareness about booster jabs.

Booster doses provide an added layer of protection. Source: AAPAAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary Dr Lucas De Toca explained why booster doses are important even when further treatment options are becoming available. 

"There is, unfortunately, no silver bullet treatment available when it comes to COVID-19," he said. 

Booster shots can be taken three months after the date of the second dose of preliminary vaccination, and this date is available on a person's digital vaccination certificate. 

All vaccination bookings, including those for children, can be made via the vaccine clinic finder. 

You can stay updated with the current restrictions in your state via the restriction checker.

To connect with an interpreter in your language about information on COVID-19 through the Australian Translating and Interpreting Services (ATIS), call 1800 131 450.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccination and bookings, call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.

For further information about COVID-19, it is recommended you contact your doctor or health professional.

As advice on vaccines continues to emerge, stay informed on all the latest by visiting the SBS Coronavirus Portal to read the information in your language.