Australia's new vaccination requirements
Australians will soon require a booster dose of a Covid-19 vaccine to be considered “up to date” with their immunisation, as the country shifts away from using the term “fully vaccinated”.
Scott Morrison made the announcement following national cabinet on Thursday, after the federal government’s expert vaccine advisory group, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), updated its guidance.
ATAGI now advises that “all individuals aged 16 years and over are recommended to receive a Covid-19 vaccine booster dose to maintain an ‘up-to-date’ status”, the Prime Minister said in a statement.
“Consistent with current arrangements, this booster dose is recommended from three months after the last primary dose and will now be recommended to be administered within six months of completing the primary schedule,” Mr Morrison said.
“In its advice ATAGI acknowledges that this change in definition of up-to-date status for Covid-19 vaccines may impact the status of an individual’s Covid-19 immunisation certificate, and sufficient time should be provided to support implementation of changes.”
The changes will come into effect by the end of March 2022.
Image: NCA Newswire