25 May 2022
Today (Wednesday 25 May), the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) announced expanded eligibility for second (winter) COVID-19 booster doses.
In addition to previously eligible cohorts, people aged 16 to 64 years who meet the following criteria can receive a winter booster dose 4 months after their first booster dose:
- people with immunocompromising conditions, including cancers, specific chronic inflammatory conditions, chronic lung disease, chronic liver disease, severe chronic kidney disease, chronic neurological disease, chronic cardiac disease and diabetes requiring medication (see table 1 for expanded groups).
- people with disability that have significant or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities that increase the risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19.
- people with severe obesity (with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m) or who are severely underweight (with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m).
People in this group should speak to their GP or specialist for further advice on how to get a winter dose from Monday 30 May 2022.
A reminder the winter dose can be provided at the same time as the annual flu vaccine.
People who are eligible for the winter dose but have had a recent infection of COVID-19, should continue to delay their winter booster until 3 months after their date of infection.
For more information, please see the ATAGI statement (25 May) available on the Australian Government Department of Health website.
