‘Protect yourself during winter.’ Exactly what you need to know about COVID boosters in 2023.

We’re over three years into the COVID-19 pandemic and it's fair to say the mood has certainly shifted. 

After years of talking about restrictions, case numbers, and vaccines, many of us are feeling a bit COVID fatigued. 

In early May, the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 was no longer a global health emergency, with Director-General Dr Tedros, Adhanom Ghebreyesus noting the pandemic “has been on a downward trend”.

However, that doesn't mean we’re out of the woods yet. 

“It is still changing,” he stressed. “The risk remains of new variants emerging that cause new surges in cases and deaths.”

So, while COVID isn’t dominating our news feeds like it once was, it’s still important we continue to do what we can to protect ourselves against the virus, which means getting vaccinated and staying up to date with top-up boosters. 

To help you get your head around the latest vaccine advice, particularly as winter has arrived, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about COVID boosters. 

First up, why is it important to get a COVID-19 booster?

While many of us are probably over hearing about vaccines, it’s important we continue to top up our vaccine protection, as our immunity begins to wane over time.

Not only do boosters help to strengthen your immune system and reduce the severity of disease, a growing body of evidence shows they can lower the risk of long COVID.

It’s particularly important we are protecting ourselves and recharging our immunity as we head into winter, when other respiratory viruses are about.

“This year we will have Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV, COVID and influenza potentially all circulating at the same time and at reasonably high levels,” NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant told reporters last month. 

“It’s important the community understands those simple hygiene measures that we put in place through the pandemic – hand washing, not going out and about when you’ve got coughs or colds, wearing a mask… But a very particular plea [to] get vaccinated, and whilst you’re having your influenza vaccine, check if you’re eligible for a COVID booster.”

Unfortunately, there are major gaps in booster uptake, particularly in young adults, and it's important these communities consider getting a booster to increase protection and reduce the risk of complications if reinfected. For people aged 18-29, only 140,000 have been vaccinated in the last 6 months, compared to 3.6 million who have not.

Overall, only 2,346,247 million Aussies received a vaccination less than six months ago, while 17,253,105 million Aussies have not received a vaccination in the last six or more months.

Who can get a booster dose?

All adults can now get a COVID booster if it’s been six months or longer since your last booster or confirmed COVID infection (whichever is most recent).

Yep, that means even adults under 30 can roll up their sleeves and get another jab. 

The change came after ATAGI announced in February that all adults aged 18-64 years without risk factors for severe COVID and those aged five to 17 years who have a health condition that puts them at risk of severe illness, should consider getting a booster.

The advisory group particularly recommends a booster top-up dose for people aged 65 years and over and people 18 years and over with medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs.

As for children and those under 18 years of age, ATAGI does not recommend a booster dose at this time if they do not have any risk factors for severe COVID. More information can be found here.

So how can I tell when my last booster was?

If you struggle to remember what you had for lunch on Monday, let alone when your last booster dose was, not to worry, you can find out exactly when you’ve had your last booster by checking your COVID-19 digital certificate.

You can access the certificate on your Medicare account through the Express Plus Medicare app or myGov.

Which booster can I get?

In Australia, COVID-19 vaccines are available for use, including a protein-based vaccine, as well as two mRNA vaccine options. 

It’s important to know you have a choice between which vaccine you prefer.

Your booster vaccine dose can also be a different option than what you may have received for your primary vaccine dose. You can find out more about the different types of vaccines available here. 

Children should receive the appropriate vaccine available to them based on their age at the time of vaccination. More information on COVID-19 vaccines in children can be found here.

Where can I get my booster?

You can book in to get your booster dose now at GPs, pharmacies and other locations around the country. 

An easy way to find a COVID vaccine clinic near you, is by visiting the healthdirect Service Finder. 

You can also call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080, or SMS 'Hey Eva', the Easy Vaccine Access (EVA) call back service, on 0481 611 382 from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week, to get help booking an appointment. 

Boosters help to protect you against serious illness from COVID-19. Book an appointment by using the healthdirect Service Finder for GPs and healthcare providers in your area.

For further information, please seek advice from your healthcare professional.

Feature Image: Getty/Mamamia.