ATAGI STATEMENT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF COVID-19 VACCINES IN 2024

Latest update 29 february 2024: It is important to read this statement in conjunction with the COVID-19 chapter of the Australian Immunisation Handbook, available at immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au

Overview of key points and updates for 2024:

• Vaccination remains the most important measure to protect those at risk of severe disease from COVID-19.
• COVID-19 vaccines are recommended every 6 to 12 months for older adults and adults with severe immunocompromise due to their ongoing risk of severe COVID-19.
• Recommendations for people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine (a ‘primary course’) have been updated. Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook COVID-19 chapter for further details.
• XBB.1.5-containing vaccines are preferred over other COVID-19 vaccines.
• An XBB.1.5-containing vaccine is not currently available for children aged 6 months—<5 years, however a formulation has been approved for use and supply is anticipated in 2024.
• COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with any other vaccine for people aged ≥5 years.
• COVID-19 vaccines remain funded for eligible individuals.

Do you need an additional COVID-19 booster?

A summary of the updated advice is presented in Table 1. Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook COVID-19 chapter for further details. These recommendations will be reviewed annually (or earlier if new evidence emerges or epidemiology changes).

ATAGI recommends a dose of COVID-19 vaccine for adults aged ≥75 years every six months.

ATAGI recommends the following groups receive a dose of COVID-19 vaccine every 12 months, and can consider a dose every 6 months, based on a risk-benefit assessment: :

• All adults aged 65 to 74 years, and/or
• Adults aged 18 to 64 years if severely immunocompromised

The following groups can consider a COVID-19 vaccine every 12 months, based on a risk-benefit assessment:

• All other adults aged 18—64 years
• Children and adolescents aged 5—<18 years with severe immunocompromise

Check your 2024 booster dose eligibility in the Table below before booking

Please select the vaccine you require: