COVID-19 weekly update – 08 JANUARY 2023

ATAGI 2023 Booster Advice

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have updated their recommendations on the use of booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine in 2023.

ATAGI recommends a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for adults in the following groups, if their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection (whichever is the most recent) was 6 months ago or longer, and regardless of the number of prior doses received:
- All adults aged 65 years and over; and
- Adults aged 18 – 64 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs.
ATAGI advises the following groups should consider a 2023 booster dose if their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection (whichever is the most recent) was 6 months ago or longer, and regardless of the number of prior doses received, based on an individual risk benefit assessment with their immunisation provider.
- All adults aged 18-64 years without risk factors for severe COVID-19; and
- Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs.
ATAGI advises that a booster dose is not recommended at this time for children and adolescents aged under the age of 18 who do not have any risk factors for severe COVID-19.

A Vaccine Provider Bulletin will be sent to general practices eligible to deliver COVID-19 vaccines today.