Expanded ATAGI recommendations on winter COVID-19 booster doses for people at increased risk of severe COVID-19

Complex, chronic, or severe medical illnesses and disabilities are now eligible for a winter COVID-19 booster dose.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) announced this week that more people at increased risk of severe COVID-19 will be eligible for a winter booster starting 30 May 2022.

This revised suggestion means that the following groups are eligible for a winter booster:

• Over-65s

• people16-year and older in elderly or disabled care

• People 16 and older with severe immunodeficiency as described by the ATAGI statement on a 3rd primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine

• Indigenous adults 50 and older.

• 16-64-year-olds with a medical condition that raises COVID-19 risk (see ATAGI advice for the full list of conditions).

• 16-64-year-olds have considerable or complicated health requirements or many comorbidities, which raises COVID-19 risk.

The additional winter booster dosage will be administered in State-run vaccination clinics without an appointment, and through partnering primary care providers such as GPs, Pharmacies, and Aboriginal Medical Services.

ATAGI advises COVID-19 positives to wait 3 months before obtaining their next immunization dosage.

Roll up for WA has further information regarding COVID-19 immunization.

According to new ATAGI advice, healthy 16- to 64-year-olds without a risk factor for severe COVID-19 should not receive a winter booster dose.