Approval for COVID-19 vaccine booster doses
Updated 4 January 2022
Since 11 October 2021, Australians who are severely immunocompromised have been able to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine dose to boost their protection against COVID-19 to the highest level.
Since late October 2021 booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines for individuals 18 years and older have been approved. Whilst the original approval was a third booster dose provided at least six months after the completion of a COVID-19 vaccine primary course of two doses, this has been changed in January 2022 to four months in Australia and New Zealand.
Approval of booster doses means that COVID-19 vaccines have been found safe and effective to boost protection for individuals aged 18 years and older through a third booster dose provided after the completion of a COVID-19 vaccine primary course of two doses. The primary course can be any of the COVID-19 vaccines registered for use in Australia or New Zealand.
People remain fully vaccinated with two doses of approved COVID-19 vaccines and the commencement of booster doses will provide additional protection and peace of mind for Australians and New Zealanders.
Further information: