Elderly people are being urged to get a booster COVID-19 vaccination if six months has passed since their last jab.
The federal government has accepted advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation that those aged 75 years and older should receive an additional COVID vaccine dose.
People aged 65 to 74 years, or adults who are severely immunocompromised, should also consider an extra shot with their healthcare provider.
The latest advice recognises that older age remains the biggest risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease.
Health Minister Mark Butler said it was never too late to come forward and get an extra vaccine dose, urging people to do so if they have missed a booster.
“It is really important people remember COVID-19 is still with us, so I encourage people to keep following the vaccination advice of the experts on the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation," he said.
The primary aim of vaccination continues to be to reduce the risk of serious illness and death.
Many Australians, particularly younger people with no other medical conditions, are currently well protected due to a combination of previous vaccinations and prior infection.
An additional dose is not recommended for this age group at this stage.
The vaccine advisory body continues to review all available evidence on the duration of protection from COVID-19 vaccines, infection rates and risk of severe disease in making any future recommendations.
