Changes have been made to what it means to be ‘up to date’ or ‘overdue’ with Covid vaccinations in Australia.
Australians who have waited more than six months to get their booster shot will be classified as “overdue” under changes to what it means to be “up to date” with Covid vaccines.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) released new advice on Thursday about Covid vaccinations.
Under the changes – which have been accepted by the government – a person must have completed all the doses recommended for their age and individual health needs to be deemed “up to date”.
“ATAGI recommend that everyone aged 16 years and older receive a booster dose three months after their primary course, to maintain the best protection and an ‘up to date’ status,” a statement from Health Minister Greg Hunt said.
ATAGI also recommended defining anyone who had waited longer than six months to get their booster shot since their primary course “overdue”.
“ATAGI has noted that this advice is provided for the management of the Covid-19 pandemic here in Australia and does not cover the vaccination requirements relating to international border settings,” Mr Hunt’s statement said.
State and territory leaders met with the Prime Minister for national cabinet on Thursday afternoon where the updated ATAGI advice was welcomed.
“Booster doses are readily available for everyone over 16 years of age three months after they have received their last primary dose,” Mr Hunt said.
People under 16 years of age will continue to be considered “up to date” after completing their primary course of vaccination.
Severely immunocompromised people aged five years and older require a third primary dose to remain “up to date”.