Booster vaccines by Xmas

BOOSTER Covid-19 vaccines will be rolled out widely in Australia by Christmas, while thousands of people most at risk of severe illness have already received a third jab.

The federal government is planning to launch a third round of vaccinations for the general population before the end of the year, pending approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

In the week and a half since immunocompromised people became eligible to receive a third vaccine, it is understood several thousand have already had their booster shot.

Australia already has a significant supply of vaccines to give as boosters, as the third dose is simply either an extra Moderna or Pfizer MRNA jab.

The TGA is waiting on a final application from Pfizer before it can assess the vaccine’s efficacy as a booster for the general population, with the drug company expected to nominate an eight-month gap between the second and third dose. This would mean the majority of Australians would not need to roll up their sleeves for the extra vaccine until next year.

With more than half of all Australians getting their initial Covid-19 vaccinations at a GP, the same system will likely be used again for boosters, with the government expecting doctors would initially contact patients when due for a third shot.

Those in the earlier rollout phases, such as aged-care residents, will be given the booster through inreach teams visiting facilities.

In announcing the booster vaccine program for Australia’s 500,000 immunocompromised people earlier this month, Health Minister Greg Hunt said the recommended interval for this cohort was between two and six months.

“Australians who are severely immunocompromised may have a decreased immune response to a Covid-19 vaccination and be more at risk from severe Covid-19,” he said.

“If you or someone in your family are severely immunocompromised, we encourage you to reach out to your GP or specialist to discuss whether an additional dose is required.”