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Updated 24th November 2023
Please encourage your household members and other close contacts to have the COVID-19 vaccine, including the booster dose, once they are eligible as this may offer you further protection from getting COVID-19. This is known as the “ring” vaccination concept.
An Australian Government COVID vaccine fact checker is available.
A 2 page guide for your treating doctors can be found here. Please refer to the Australian Living Guidelines for the Pharmacological Management of Inflammatory Arthritis for more detailed information.
Please do not contact the ARA Secretariat for medical advice regarding the vaccine, please consult with your prescribing doctor.
The ARA will update this advice as new information becomes available.
There are currently 3 COVID-19 vaccines available for use in Australia.
As of 20 November 2023, the TGA has approved the use of the following monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccine for use as primary and additional doses:
The Pfizer and Moderna monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines are now the recommended vaccine for use in Australia in those aged 5 years or older.
For more information on vaccines used in Australia, visit: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/our-vaccines/how-they-work#covid19-vaccines-in-australia
The number of vaccinations and booster doses you need depends on your age and whether you have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness.
This ATAGI poster of recommended COVID-19 vaccines outlines the doses recommended for each age and population group. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-11/atagi-recommended-covid-19-vaccine-doses.pdf
This ATAGI recommendations outlines the use of a 3rd primary dose of vaccine in individuals that are severely immunocompromised: https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-statement-on-the-use-of-a-3rd-primary-dose-of-covid-19-vaccine-in-individuals-who-are-severely-immunocompromised?language=en
If you are >18 years and are at risk of severe COVID-19 illness, it is recommended to have at least one booster in 2023.
Some people may qualify to receive a vaccination earlier than the recommended 6-month interval. For more information on who should receive an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine see the ATAGI recommendation: ATAGI Update on the COVID-19 Vaccination Program | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza (flu) vaccine can be safely given at the same time.
You do not need to delay your flu vaccine, in fact the COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against the flu, so it is important to still have your annual flu vaccine.
Yes, people who have had COVID-19 should still be vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine. This provides extra protection against future infections. Wait for 6 months after COVID infection or previous dose of COVID vaccine before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.