Should you get the COVID-19 booster vaccination?

With lockdowns and masks becoming a thing of the past, and global travel opening up again, how can we best protect ourselves against the still-very-real threat of COVID-19? Let’s take a look at current recommendations for getting the COVID-19 booster vaccination.

The current COVID situation

More than 10 million Australians have reported having COVID at least once since the pandemic began, and since immunisations began in 2021, both the number and severity of cases have started to ease. The Australian Government has recommended a course of two initial immunisations and a booster dose three months later.

Over 97 per cent of Australians over the age of 16 have had at least one COVID shot, with 72 per cent having had both of the initial immunisations, plus the recommended booster.

If you’re one of the 25 per cent of Australians who started their course of immunisation and have not yet had the booster, the Department of Health recommends you complete the course. Booster doses are free for everyone, but some doctors may charge a consultation fee.

“To receive the best protection against serious illness or death from COVID-19, you should stay up to date with all vaccinations recommended for your age or individual health needs,” the Department of Health website states. “Boosters are important to maintain this protection.”

You are eligible for a COVID booster if you completed your primary vaccination course at least three months ago, and:

·  are aged 16 years or older

·  are aged 12­–15 years and are severely immunocompromised; have a disability with significant or complex health needs; or have severe, complex or multiple health conditions that increase the risk of severe Covid-19.

If you have had COVID, you should wait three months after your illness to resume your vaccinations.

The COVID-19 booster vaccination

A fourth immunisation dose is recommended for people who are at increased risk of becoming severely ill. The fourth dose can be taken three months after the booster dose.

The Department of Health recommends a fourth dose if you are:

·  50 years or older

·  16 years or older, and a resident of a disability or aged care facility

·  16 years or older, and severely immunocompromised

·  16 years or older, with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe Covid-19 illness

·  16 years or older, with a disability.

People aged 30 to 49 can also receive a fourth dose at their discretion.

International travel

With international borders reopening, and travel becoming more popular again, it’s important to understand your vaccination requirements before you travel. You can check the Smart Traveller Covid advisory to see the vaccination requirements of each country. And it’s also important to know that you will be required to show proof of vaccination when you leave and return to Australia. A booster dose is not a requirement, but it is recommended.

If you would like to understand whether you are eligible for the COVID-19 antivirals our Australian-registered doctors can help. Or, if you would like to speak to a doctor about symptoms you may be having, you can access a telehealth consultation.

This article was written by Carolyn Tate, a Brisbane-based writer with a particular interest in women’s health, mental health and living well. Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Professional Writing and a Bachelor of Political Science.