An additional 7.4 million Australians are now eligible for another COVID-19 vaccine, otherwise referred to as a second booster or a winter shot.
With cases of COVID-19 rising, governments across the country are hoping that a surge in the uptake of fourth COVID-19 vaccine shots will curb hospital admissions.
Here's who is eligible, when you can get it, as well as a state-by-state breakdown on where to get your "winter" booster shot.
Who is eligible for a fourth COVID shot?
Fourth COVID-19 vaccinations are available for all Australians over the age of 30, as well as:
- People aged 16 years and above who are severely immunocompromised.
- People aged 16 years and above who have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness.
- People aged 16 years and above who have disabilities with significant, complex, or multiple health issues, which increase the risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19 infection.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) specifically recommended the shot for people over 50, and said people aged 30 to 49 could choose to have a fourth dose.
ATAGI did not support making the fourth dose available to healthy adults under the age of 30 years as it was not clear whether the benefits outweighed the risks in this population group.
When can I get it?
You will have to wait three months after receiving your third booster shot before you can get the winter update.
And if you've recently had COVID-19, you have to wait until three months after you acquired the infection.
Click the links below to jump straight to your state or territory:
- Australian Capital Territory
- Queensland
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Winter shot bookings are available at ACT GPs and pharmacies using the vaccine clinic finder. The ACT government also offers an Access and Sensory vaccination clinic for people who have additional needs to get vaccinated.
In a press conference announcing the expanded fourth-dose eligibility, ACT Chief Health Officer Kerryn Coleman prepped the state for another wave.
"COVID-19 cases are expected to increase in coming weeks and Canberrans should take steps to help reduce the spread and lessen the impact of COVID-19," Dr Coleman said.
Queensland
Second booster shots are available through GPs and participating pharmacies in the sunshine state. You can book online or call your GP to check if they accept walk-ins. You can also find your nearest participating GP or pharmacy using the vaccine clinic finder.
Queensland Pharmacy Guild branch president Chris Owen says now is the right time for locals to come and get their boosters from their local pharmacy or GP.
"The timing is actually perfect, we've had the free flu vaccines but demand for flu vaccines is actually dropping at the moment, so to have another COVID dose introduced at this time is not a bad thing," Mr Owen said.
"We've got increased capacity to be able to handle the demand of the new COVID doses and appointments at the moment."
New South Wales
Thousands of pharmacies and GPs across New South Wales are offering the winter shot. NSW Health recommends using the vaccine clinic finder to locate the nearest vaccination location.
There's also a free one-on-one vaccination booking service that will assist in booking a suitable appointment. This service is available 8am to 9:30pm, seven days a week on 1800 571 155.
With the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants "circulating widely" in the state, NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the government was encouraging all eligible people in the state to get their fourth vaccine shot.
Northern Territory
There are several different options when it comes to booking in a winter booster. Territorians can use the vaccine clinic finder to book an appointment, make a booking at a local Aboriginal health clinic or Nhulunbuy Community Health Centre.
The NT government also offers a mobile vaccine clinic that is available to vaccinate eligible people at a workplace or event.
You can book the mobile vaccination unit via email at covid.mobilevaccination@nt.gov.au or by calling the NT COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 490 484.
South Australia
In response to the widening of eligibility for the fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose, South Australia is opening more pop-up vaccination clinics, which take walk-ins and do not require bookings.
Aside from this option, South Australian's can book their winter shot via the vaccine clinic finder or check the SA Health website to locate the state's mobile vaccination clinics.
Tasmania
Tasmanians can book second booster doses at a GP or pharmacy through the vaccine clinic finder or contact state-run clinics for an appointment via the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.
Tasmanian Minister for Health Jeremy Rockcliff is encouraging Tasmanians to push through to protect their state.
"I know there's a degree of vaccine fatigue given how long we've been living with the pandemic," Mr Rockcliff said in a statement.
"But if in an eligible group I urge you to please get your booster for extra protection this winter and help keep Tasmania one of the safest places on the plane.,"
He also mentioned that Tasmanians can receive their fourth shot at the same time as the flu vaccine so there's no time between the two vaccinations.
Victoria
Most GPs and pharmacies in Victoria will offer fourth vaccine shots to those eligible. To access a booking, Victorians can use the online booking system or call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398, seven days a week, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
The vaccine clinic finder tool is also available for all Victorians.
Western Australian
The Roll up for WA campaign is there to help all Western Australian's find out where they can get their winter shot.
Divided into GP, pharmacy and community clinics (including the roaming Kimberly Vaccination Bus) options, the online tool provides phone numbers, addresses, types of vaccine offered, booking requirements and opening hours.
