Everything that you need to know about Booster shots

Vaccination against Covid-19 has become essential in to fight against the disease, and it has significantly contributed to lowering the number of positive cases. Therefore, it is imperative for you to stay updated with the latest vaccines and boosters shots to help maintain further protection. Besides, you do not need to worry about needing medical insurance or a medicare card because clinics and hospitals provide free booster doses.

Eligibility criteria for booster doses

A person is eligible for a Covid-19 booster dose if they are:

• Individuals aged between 5 to 15.
• If they have severe immunocompromised diseases.
• If the person is disabled with significant or complex health requirements.
• If the person has serious, complex, or several health conditions that increase the risk of getting infected with Covid-19.
• If they are 16 years or above.
• If they have completed their primary Covid-19 vaccination dose course at least three months ago.

However, it is essential to point out that if you already have Covid-19, you must wait three months after your confirmed infection to get the vaccination. Also, you can check the date when you had your last Covid-19 vaccine on your Covid-19 digital certificate.

Who can get the second booster shot?

The second booster shot is the fourth dose that people with a higher risk of serious illness can get; they must get the dose three months after their first booster shot. On the other hand, this additional dose technically will be the fifth dose for severely immunocompromised people.

People can get a second booster if they are:

• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander aged 50 years and older
• 16 years or older who have medical conditions that elevate the risk of severe COVID-19 illness
• Sixteen years or older with a disability.
• 50 years or above
• 16 years or above and is an aged care or disability care facility resident
• 16 years or older and severely immunocompromised

Meanwhile, 30 to 49 aged people can get the second booster shot if they want additional protection against disease.

How can you book an appointment for booster doses?

The COVID-19 Clinic Finder or using ‘Hey Eva’ – Easy Vaccine Access is the best way to book a booster dose, also known as the winter booster dose.

What is EVA?

EVA is an easy-to-use callback service that helps people to book a Covid-19 vaccine. Besides, if you want to book a Covid-19 vaccine, you can SMS ‘Hey EVA’ to 0481 611 382. Then, a trained call agent from the National Coronavirus Helpline will call you to help book your COVID-19 vaccination.

Booster Shots in Residential aged care

Older people are vulnerable to diseases because of low immunity and pre-existing conditions; however, they can get the required help against Covid-19 in aged care facilities. Moreover, booster programs are available in residential aged-care facilities; you can read the corresponding details at residential aged-care.

Booster Shots for people with disability

Thanks to booster programs, people with disability living in shared residential accommodations can get the required help. In addition, you can access the corresponding details for people with disability living in shared residential accommodation.

What does it mean to stay up to date with Vaccinations?

Staying up to date with covid vaccinations refers to completing all recommended vaccine doses according to particular age and health conditions.

Are booster shots safe?

Booster shots have been approved by Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA); hence it is safe; however, it is entirely normal to encounter mild side effects. For instance, you may face side effects similar to those you had after getting the first two doses.

Moreover, you must stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.