Additional 2023 COVID-19 vaccination update

Older age continues to be the biggest risk factor for severe COVID-19 and vaccination is still the best way to protect against severe illness or death from COVID-19.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has updated advice for the COVID-19 vaccine and we have included some FAQs.

If it has been 6 months since receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or a confirmed COVID-19 infection, an additional dose:

• is recommended for people aged 75 or older
• should be considered for people aged 65-74 and people aged 18-64 years with severe immunocompromise, following discussion with their health care provider.

People aged 65 years and older who have not had a COVID-19 booster this year, are recommended to get a dose. All COVID-19 vaccines are anticipated to provide benefit to eligible people. However, the monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines are preferred over other vaccines for eligible people.

Book a vaccination

To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic near you:

• speak with your doctor or pharmacist
• book an appointment on the health service finder.

Call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 if you need COVID-19 advice. And for more information, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Oral antiviral treatments

Oral antivirals treatments are safe and effective in reducing the severity of COVID-19 and are available to people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 including people 70 years and older.

Be prepared, if you are aged 70 years or older, or have one of the risk factors, we encourage you to have an early discussion with your GP or nurse practitioner about:

• whether an oral antiviral suits your health needs
• developing a COVID-19 plan if you test positive to COVID-19 including how to access antivirals quickly if you need them.

Treatment is needed within 5 days of COVID-19 symptoms beginning. Oral antiviral treatments may help stop COVID-19 infection from becoming severe.