The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended a change to the definition of COVID-19 vaccine status from ‘fully vaccinated’ to ‘up to date’.
ATAGI has recommended moving away from the term ‘fully vaccinated’. Under the new advice, a person is ‘up to date’ if they have completed all the doses recommended for their age and individual health needs.
ATAGI recommends that everyone aged 16 years and older receive a booster dose three months after their primary course, to maintain the best protection and an ‘up to date’ status.
ATAGI has advised that if it has been longer than six months since a person’s primary course and they haven’t had a booster, they will no longer be considered ‘up to date’ and instead will be considered ‘overdue’.
The new rule will not apply to international travellers coming to Australia.
Children and adolescents under 16 years of age will continue to be considered ‘up to date’ after completing their primary course of vaccination. Severely immunocompromised people aged five years and older require a third primary dose to remain up to date.
Everyone who is eligible but not yet had their booster is encouraged to do so. Use the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder to make your appointment for a booster shot.