More people are now eligible for a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine, following the latest advice from the country’s main immunization group.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization has extended eligibility for the winter booster dose to include people with health problems or a disability, following its last meeting.
The expanded council is expected to allow more than 1.5 million more people to receive the fourth dose of vaccine or the second booster from May 30.
Previously, the fourth dose was only available for people 65 years of age or older, people caring for the elderly or disabled, people with severe immunosuppression, or indigenous people over the age of 50.
Health Minister Katy Gallagher said it was critical that as many people receive the fourth dose as possible.
“The idea behind expanding the criteria has really been to ensure that people at the highest risk of serious infection … are protected,” he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.
The advice comes ahead of a projected increase in COVID cases across the country over the winter, combined with an increase in flu cases.
Although eligibility has been expanded for the second booster, a fourth dose has not yet been recommended for the entire population.
“The reason it has not expanded further into the general population is based on the evidence,” Senator Gallagher said.
“We have fully accepted the advice of ATAGI, but the benefits of having a fourth dose for everyone is not the opinion of ATAGI at this time.
“It’s just this category of people who have underlying health issues and people who have a disability.”
Senator Gallagher said that while the reinforcements were not made available to the general public, there were no supply problems for COVID vaccine reinforcements in the future.
“We will encourage anyone who has not received their booster dose or who may be eligible for this fourth dose to take the necessary steps to get that dose,” he said.
The incoming Health Minister will receive full information about COVID next week.