Healthy North Coast is encouraging community members seeking a COVID-19 booster shot to use the Vaccine Clinic Finder to book ahead.
Anyone aged 18 and over is eligible for a COVID-19 booster five months after their second dose. The booster dose helps make sure the protection from your first and second dose is stronger and longer lasting.
To check your eligibility for a booster, you should visit your vaccination record on myGov or your MyHealthRecord app to see when your second dose was.
The Australian Government has reduced the interval between second dose and booster. From 4 January 2022, people will only have to wait four months after their second dose for a booster. This will reduce again on 31 January, to three months.
There are multiple options available for you to get a COVID-19 vaccine – through your local general practice, pharmacy or at a NSW Health Vaccine Clinic.
Supply can vary from provider to provider. There may be a slight mismatch in supply over the next fortnight, due to the recent changes in advice and ordering timeframes.
Vaccine providers are currently increasing orders to be delivered toward the end of the month, so most people who are looking for a booster should be able to book ahead for January.
Regardless of which vaccine people received in their first 2 doses, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines of Pfizer and Moderna are currently preferred over AstraZeneca for the booster dose. Find the ATAGI recommendations here.
AstraZeneca is not yet TGA-approved as a booster, but may be used as a booster for those who had contraindications to MRNA COVID-19 vaccines or had AstraZeneca for their primary course. This is subject to availability in your area.
You should speak to your GP about which option is best for you.