COVID-19 is now one of Australia’s leading causes of death according to data from the Bureau of Statistics.
In recent months there has been a significant surge in the number of COVID cases across the country.
Many Australians are under-vaccinated and need to protect themselves against COVID.
Australia’s Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler recently said that “Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19, particularly for older adults and those who are immunocompromised.”
“While we are no longer in the emergency phase of this pandemic, COVID-19 is still present, and people should continue to follow the advice of the experts from ATAGI, including getting vaccines as required,” Mr Butler added.
In September, ATAGI recommended that all adults over the age of 75 receive an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose if at least six months have passed since their previous dose.
New vaccines available in Australia
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved new Pfizer and Moderna vaccines which became available in Australia from 11 December 2023. These new Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant COVID vaccines will provide better protection against the subvariants currently circulating in Australia.
According to the Department of Health, Pfizer’s monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccine will be available for use in eligible people aged 5 years and older, while the Moderna monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccine can be used for those aged 12 years and older.
For people who have already had their 2023 vaccines, ATAGI does not recommend any extra doses with the XBB.1.5-containing formula.
ATAGI will provide further COVID-19 vaccination advice early in 2024.
More information
ATAGI recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses: Department of Health
Additional COVID-19 vaccine now recommended for vulnerable Australians Practice Connect
