The 2023 COVID booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above from 20 February. 

Getting your bivalent booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.

You can have your booster dose if your last dose or COVID infection was 6 or more months ago. 

👉To book an appointment for your 2023 booster dose, visit https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-vaccine-clinic-finder

所有18 岁及以上群体可以接种2023 年 COVID 疫苗加强剂(如果前一针疫苗或感染新冠在六个月之前)。“接种加强剂疫苗就像为电池电量不足的手机充电一样。” 维州首席卫生官Brett Sutton教授说,“现在是需要接种疫苗加强剂来补充提高免疫力为冬季做准备的好时机。”

👉请联系您的全科医生(GP)或当地药房预约接种。

More info: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/

Frequently asked questions

1. Why do I need a booster dose?

•Most Victorians had their last COVID vaccination 6 months ago. Immunity wanes over time so your protection against the virus is low. 

•Getting your booster dose is like recharging your phone when the battery is low. Recharge your immunity with a booster dose and protect yourself before winter. 

2. When can I get a 2023 booster dose? 

•Everyone aged 18 and over can get their 2023 booster dose 6 months after their previous dose or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later). Getting your bivalent booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.  Vaccines are available from 20 February and book your appointment now.   Children aged between 5 and 17 years can also consider a 2023 booster dose if they have a: 

•disability  

•severely compromised immune system  

•complex or multiple health conditions.  

3. Can children under 5-years get their 2023 booster dose? 

•ATAGI doesn’t recommend that children under 5 get a booster dose. Children between 6 months and 5 years at risk of severe illness are eligible for two doses. 

Which vaccine is available as a booster dose? 

•Bivalent vaccine is the preferred option for booster doses. Vaccine brands vary depending on your age. For booster doses: 

•children aged between 5 and 11 years can receive the Pfizer vaccine  

•children aged between 12 and 17 years can choose the Pfizer or Novavax vaccine  

•adults aged 18 years and older can choose the Pfizer, Pfizer bivalent, Moderna bivalent, Novavax or AstraZeneca vaccine.  

5. Where can I get vaccinated? 

•You can get your free COVID-19 vaccine at your local pharmacy or GP. Find one near your using the vaccine clinic finder.  

6. Where can I go for more information?  

•You can visit Get vaccinated for more information on COVID-19 vaccines.  

Categories: Community News