With COVID-19 protection waning across the community, the risk of infection has increased. The latest advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is that, as winter approaches, a 2023 COVID-19 booster is recommended to increase COVID-19 protection.  

Providers are requested to share ATAGI 2023 booster advice announced on 8 February.   

With community protection having waned, ATAGI recommends an additional COVID-19 booster will improve protection against severe COVID-19 prior to winter. As COVID-19 waves are anticipated, vaccination will reduce risk of severe illness and protect the healthcare system during a time of high demand.  

Providers should encourage disability workers to get a COVID-19 booster. It will increase their protection while reducing risk of infection transmission for people with a disability and other immune-compromised and at-risk groups. Improved immunity for workers will reduce the pressure of workforce shortages and community transmission of the virus. 

The 2023 COVID-19 vaccination update has new recommendations on the timing for this booster. It is now recommended to defer a booster until six or more months has passed since your most recent COVID-19 vaccination or confirmed COVID-19 infection. whichever is the earliest. Anyone who suspected they had COVID-19, but it wasn’t confirmed by a test, are advised there are no safety concerns with receiving the 2023 booster.  

Eligibility is not determined by the previous number of COVID-19 vaccinations and for some people the 2023 booster will be their fifth COVID-19 vaccination.  

The 2023 COVID-19 booster is recommended for: 

• all adults aged 65 years and over 
• adults aged 18 to 64 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19 or disability with significant or complex health needs. 

ATAGI advise a 2023 booster is encouraged for: 

• adults between 18 to 64 years without risk factors for severe COVID-19 
• children and adolescents aged five to 17 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs. 

The booster is not recommended at this time for children and adolescents aged under 18 years, who do not have any risk factors for severe COVID-19. 

Vaccination options and booking an appointment  

All currently available COVID-19 vaccines provide benefit as a booster dose. However, bivalent mRNA booster vaccines, such as Pfizer and Moderna, are preferred over other vaccines. A COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at the same time as an influenza or other vaccine. 

Vaccination providers can be identified by location through Australian Government Healthdirect clinic finder; or contact your local General Practice or pharmacy for appointments. 

NDS is currently seeking further details about access to vaccinations for people with disability who are either unable to leave their homes to attend appointments or require specific support.  

Event: COVID-19 and other health risk management network meeting 

NDS invites disability providers and managers responsible for COVID-19 and other health risks to the COVID-19 Prevention, Vaccines and Outbreak Management Network on Thursday February 23 from 3:00 to 4:00pm AEDT.

This meeting will include an overview of the revised NDS COVID-19 toolkit, which focuses on risk management for 2023 and beyond. Other health concerns and risks will also be discussed. Direct any provider issues or concerns you would like to submit in advance to Heather McMinn: submit enquiry/feedback