Keep your COVID-19 guard up

TOP UP YOUR PROTECTION AGAINST COVID-19 WITH A FREE BOOSTER AND MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF THE VIRUS THIS WINTER

Are your COVID-19 defences as strong as they could be? If you’re an adult and it’s been six or more months since your most recent COVID-19 vaccination or infection, there’s every chance they’re not.

All eligible adults are encouraged to consider topping up their protection for the cooler months by booking a COVID-19 booster.

Boosters remain your best form of protection against COVID-19. They continue to play a vital role in preventing severe illness caused by COVID-19 infections. These days, the focus is on when you had your last dose or infection.

The latest advice from the Australian Technical Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), updated earlier this year in February, reflects this revised approach.

ATAGI recommends boosters for people at higher risk of severe illness, including adults aged 65 and over, and adults aged 18-64 with a disability or complex health needs. If you’re at higher risk of severe illness and it’s been six months or more since your last vaccine dose or infection, it’s recommended you get a booster. It doesn’t matter how many doses or infections you’ve had. What’s important is when you had your last one.

Adults can consider a booster regardless of the number of prior doses received if their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection (whichever is the most recent) was six months ago or longer. If it’s been at least six months since your last vaccine or infection, consider another booster.

Ultimately, choosing to top up your protection is your decision to make. But if you are eligible to head down this road, the start of the cold and flu season – when everyone seems to be coming down with something – is an ideal time to consider another booster.

You can even get your COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations at the same time – perfect for people who never seem to have enough hours in the day.

If you’re eligible but unsure about whether to get a booster dose or not, you can always reach out to a health professional to discuss your individual circumstance.

Topping up your protection is one of the best ways you can prevent yourself from becoming severely ill from COVID-19. The new generation of bivalent vaccines protects against the original strain of COVID-19 and Omicron variants.

COVID-19 vaccinations are free for everyone in Australia, and you can book a booster at many GPs, health practitioners, and pharmacists. Find your nearest provider on the

Healthdirect Service Finder website.

If you can’t remember the date you received your last dose, that’s not a problem. This information is displayed on your COVID-19 digital certificate, which you can access through your myGov account or the Express Plus Medicare app.

Healthcare providers, including your GP or pharmacist, can also check your immunisation history.

There are also simple things we can all do to protect those who need it most, like choosing to wear a mask in crowded public areas, staying at home if you test positive, or avoiding high-risk settings like aged and disability care facilities or hospitals if you have symptoms.

By booking your next COVID-19 booster when eligible, you’re giving your immunity a shot in the arm and doing your bit to ease the pressure on the health system.

COVID-19 boosters remain your best form of protection against serious illness from the virus