Extra Covid booster dose now available

A fourth COVID-19 vaccine has now been approved and people in the nominated categories are being urged to book in as soon as possible.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has approved a winter booster dose of the vaccine for people at greatest risk of severe illness from the virus and who have received their primary vaccination and third dose.

These fourth Covid ‘winter doses’ are now available from all state-run vaccination centres in Gippsland.

Focussed at increasing vaccine protection for the most vulnerable before the winter season hits, the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit said these ‘winter doses’ are aimed at:

• adults aged 65 years and older
• residents of aged care or disability care facilities
• people aged 16 years and older who are severely immunocompromised (as defined in the ATAGI statement on the use of a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and older

Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU) Operations Director, Annelies Titulaer, said this additional booster dose for these groups coincided with the rollout of this year’s influenza vaccination program, with ‘flu shot’ bookings now available at local general practices and some pharmacies.

“I would like to reassure people that it is safe to have your Covid vaccination, whether that be first, second or subsequent boosters, and your flu jab in close succession, either on the same day or merely days apart,” Ms Titulaer explained.

“The COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against the flu, so you should still have your annual flu shot. During the course of the pandemic, evidence suggests COVID-19 is more severe in colder months than warmer ones, and that dry indoor air may encourage the spread of the disease.”

Documented proof of eligibility for this Covid ‘winter dose’ is not required. People can provide verbal attestation for their eligibility.

“Eligible people will be able to receive their Covid ‘winter dose’ from four months after receiving their third dose, or from four months after they contracted COVID-19, if infection has occurred since the person’s third dose,” Ms Titulaer said.

Pfizer or Moderna are the preferred vaccines for COVID-19 booster doses including the winter booster dose. AstraZeneca can be used when Pfizer or Moderna is contra indicated or a person declines vaccination with either of these vaccines. Novavax can be used if no other COVID-19 vaccine is considered suitable for that person.

“A fourth COVID-19 dose will help maintain protection against COVID-19 and prevent waning immunity,” Ms Titulaer explained.

To receive the Covid ‘winter dose’, book an appointment at one of the GRPHU’s state-run vaccination centres online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or phone 1800 675 398.

To receive the flu vaccination, contact your local GP clinic or pharmacy.