New Monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines update.
On 20 November 2023, ATAGI released new recommendations for the use of monovalent XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines for primary vaccination and boosters, in those aged 5 and older.
The monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines target currently circulating Omicron subvariants. This differs to the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines which offer protection against both earlier Omicron subvariants and the original strain of COVID-19.
All currently available COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection against severe disease. Monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines show a modest increase in protection and are therefore considered the preferred option.
People who have not received their recommended 2023 dose(s) are encouraged to be vaccinated as soon as possible. Those who have already received their 2023 dose(s) do not need revaccination with a monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccine.
COVID-19 booster vaccine advice
To receive the best protection against serious illness or death from COVID-19, you should get all recommended doses for your age or individual health needs. Boosters are important to maintain protection.
Booster doses are free for everyone.
All adults can get a booster if it’s been 6 months or longer since their last COVID-19 booster or confirmed infection (whichever is most recent). Boosters give extra protection against severe illness from COVID.
The Australian Government has accepted a recommendation about COVID-19 vaccines. All adults aged 75 years and older should receive an extra 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose if six months have passed since their last dose.
This particularly includes people at higher risk of severe illness, like:
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adults aged 65-74 years
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everyone 18 years and over with medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs.
Children and young people aged 5 to 17 years can consider getting a booster dose if:
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they have a health condition that put them at risk of severe illness, and
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if it’s been 6 months since their last dose or COVID-19 infection.
Your doctor can help you decide if your child should receive a booster.
Booster doses are not recommended at this time for children and adolescents under 18 years of age who do not have any risk factors for severe COVID-19.
All vaccines are approved for use in Australia and continue to give strong protection against serious illness from COVID-19. Omicron-specific bivalent vaccines are preferred for boosters.
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NB. Vaccinations available to individuals over 12 years of age.