Covid Vaccine
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
The aim of COVID-19 vaccination is to reduce the risk of serious illness and death which is particularly important for older adults and those with risk factors for severe disease.
As per the recent September 2023 ATAGI recommendations :
It is recommended that all adults aged ≥ 75 years should receive an additional 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose if 6 months have passed since their last dose.
The following groups should consider an additional 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose if 6 months have passed since their last dose, after discussion with their healthcare provider:
- All adults aged 65 to 74 years, and/or
- Adults aged 18 to 64 years with severe immunocompromise.
- Within the above groups, an additional 2023 COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be of most benefit for people who:
- Have no known history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (and therefore are unlikely to have protection from hybrid immunity),
- Have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs, or
- Reside in a residential aged care facility.
ATAGI 2023 COVID-19 Booster Advice – first and additional dose* | ||||
AGE | 2023 COVID-19 booster dose (February 2023 guidance) | Additional 2023 COVID-19 booster dose (September 2023 guidance) | ||
<5 years | Not recommended | Not recommended | Not recommended | Not recommended |
5-17 years | Consider | Not recommended | Not recommended | Not recommended |
18-64 years | Recommended | Consider | Consider if severe immunocompromise^ | Not recommended |
65-74 years | Recommended | Recommended | Consider | Consider |
≥ 75 years | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
6 months to under 5 years
- It is recommended for a 3 month interval between recent SARS CoV-2 infection and receiving the vaccine.
- The recommended minimum interval to receive a booster COVID vaccination is 3 months.
- It is not recommended to have a third booster of any COVID vaccine at present
- The new bivalent vaccines contain mRNA sequences for 2 different variants of SARS-COV-2 (The original formulation and the Omicron BA.1 subvariant).
Primary vaccination course
COVID vaccination is recommended for 6 months to the following under 5 year old groups;
- Severely immunocompromised
- Those with a disability or have significant complex health needs
- Those with complex and/or have multiple health conditions
It is recommended that a 3rd primary dose be given for 6 months to under 5 year old’s with severe immunocompromise.
Booster dose
It is now recommended that a single booster COVID vaccination dose may be given to the following groups;
- Severely immunocompromised
- Those with a disability or have significant complex health needs
- Those with complex and/or have multiple health conditions
5-11 years
Booster dose
A single COVID vaccination booster may be given to the following groups;
- Severely immunocompromised
- Those with a disability or have significant complex health needs
- Those with complex and/or have multiple health conditions
12-15 years
16 years and older
Booster dose
A single COVID vaccination booster is recommended for all people 16 years and older to those who have completed their primary course more than 3 months ago.
2nd Booster dose
It is recommended that the following groups be given a second booster COVID vaccination;
- 50 years and older
- 16 years and older residents in aged care or disability facility
- 16 years and older people with complex, chronic or severe medical conditions
- 16 years and older with disability or complex health needs
30 years and older can also receive a 2nd booster dose of COVID vaccination.
Get In Touch With Shire Doctors And Dentists For Tailored Immune System Tips
So these are some of the top tips for boosting your immune system! Follow these tips and you’ll be feeling better in no time. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Shire Doctors and Dentists! We would be happy to help.