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: 

https://www.allergy.org.au/about-ascia/info-updates/third-covid-19-vaccine-shot-recommended-for-people-who-are-severely-immunocompromised

https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/tga-approval-for-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-booster-dose-0