Fifth COVID-19 booster shot available from today

From right now, eligible Australians can get in line for a fifth COVID-19 booster vaccine.

But they are not obtainable to all people – and chances are you’ll not but be capable of get one even when you would usually match the invoice.

Here is what we all know concerning the new booster shot guidelines.

Australians will be able to get their COVID-19 vaccine booster shots after four months from early next year, and then three months from the end of January. — Many Australians at the moment are eligible for his or her booster shot. (Getty)

Who is eligible for a fifth booster?

To begin with, it does not need to be your fifth so that you can be eligible.

ATAGI’s official recommendation to the federal government was that anyone who had not had both COVID-19 or a booster shot prior to now six months, can be eligible for a brand new one.

If you have had each shot you are eligible for, it could be your fifth.

However, this solely applies to adults – wholesome kids beneath 18 aren’t eligible for a brand new booster but given their “low incidence of severe illness and high level of hybrid immunity”.

But anyone susceptible to extreme sickness – together with kids aged 5 to 17 with well being circumstances – is urged to get one.

Why do I would like a booster shot?

Two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine present an excellent stage of safety in opposition to critical sickness attributable to the virus, nevertheless this may be boosted much more with additional photographs.

“A booster dose will make sure the protection from the first two doses is even stronger and longer-lasting, and should help prevent spread of the virus,” the Australian Government mentioned on introducing the third dose.

Basically, the booster shot means you are extra protected in opposition to extreme illness from COVID-19 or dying from the virus.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 03: Registered Nurse Laila prepares a Pfizer vaccine at the Belmore Sports Ground vaccination hub overseen by Dr. Jamal Rifi on October 03, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. General Practitioner, Dr. Jamal Rifi has been a GP in Australia for over 30 years, living and serving in the Belmore district from his Medical Centre in Sydney's south-west. When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit in Australia, Dr. Rifi and his wife Lana decided to put retirement on hold and erected tents i — You can get a booster shot after having COVID-19 so long as you now not have signs. (Getty)

The web site will present you all of the availabilities at pharmacies, GPs and state-run clinics.

All it’s essential to do is choose one and e-book in.

Moderna vaccines will be made in Melbourne. — Both Pfizer and Moderna booster photographs can be found in Australia. (Bloomberg)

Does it matter which booster model I get?

The Omicron-specific mRNA booster vaccines are most well-liked over others for this explicit dose, ATAGI mentioned.

The authorities has 4 million Omicron-specific booster doses obtainable proper now and one other 10 million arriving this month.

However, if these aren’t obtainable in your space, any model of vaccine is claimed to offer a profit.

No, however they’re strongly beneficial by well being authorities.

However, in some states, a 3rd shot has been made necessary for important employees like well being care and incapacity employees.

The eligibility for booster shots has been reduced to three months in NSW run vaccine hubs. — You can get a booster shot 4 months after your second dose in all states besides NSW, Victoria and South Australia, the place the interval is now three months. (James Gourley/Pool Photo by way of AP)

What are the uncomfortable side effects?

Common and gentle uncomfortable side effects just like these of the primary two doses can happen for the booster shot.

This consists of ache on the injection web site, tiredness, complications, muscle or joint ache, or fever and chills.

The Federal Government mentioned there may be restricted proof of great uncomfortable side effects “such as myocarditis and pericarditis following a Pfizer and Moderna booster dose”.