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Booster shots could begin to roll out across Australia from as soon as next week, following official approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) today.
The decision is now before the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), but Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt expects the roll-out to begin no later than 8 November.
A third-dose Pfizer jab is set to be delivered to those aged 18 and over, who have been fully vaccinated for at least six months.
The aged care and disability sectors will be prioritised.
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The TGA has found a third-dose Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective, regardless of whether your first two shots were AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer.
Mr Hunt said the booster roll-out will “provide additional protection and peace of mind for Australians.”
“As with all COVID-19 vaccines, final advice on the roll out of boosters will be provided to the Government by ATAGI,” he said.
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“Original priority groups, including people in aged care and disability care settings, [are] to be offered the option to receive a booster as a priority.
“The Government also expects that Moderna will shortly apply to the TGA for registration of booster doses for their vaccine.”
Since 11 October, severely immunocompromised Australians have been able to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine.
The United Kingdom, the United States and Israel has also approved booster shots for some sectors of their population.
But in Cairns, concern is growing that the region is falling further behind state and national vaccination rates.
At least 62.8 per cent of Cairns residents aged 15 and over have received two doses, while 74.7 per cent are single-dosed, according to the latest data released on 25 October.
In Yarrabah, the figures remain far less than that of Cairns – 24.5 per cent and 42.9 per cent respectively.
In comparison, 74 per cent of all Australians aged 16 and older have received two doses and 87 per cent have had a first dose.
Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath was in Cairns last week to support the region’s vaccination efforts.
“It has never been more important to go out and get vaccinated,” she said.
“It is about keeping people safe, keeping people alive and also protecting our economy [including] local economies like our tourism sector here in Far North Queensland.”
Queensland’s borders are opening to fully vaccinated interstate travellers from 17 December, or if 80 per cent is achieved earlier.
Overseas arrivals to Cairns won’t be exempt from quarantine requirements until the region hits 90 per cent.
Main points
- Pfizer booster shots could roll out as soon as next week, subject to final ATAGI advice
- It will be offered Australians aged 18 and over who have been fully vaccinated for six months
- A third-dose Pfizer is safe following double-doses of either AstraZeneca, Moderna or Pfizer
