Australia's medical regulator has given its first green light to the AstraZeneca booster shot for people above the age of 18.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration provisionally approved AstraZeneca, also known as Vaxzevria, as a booster on Tuesday and announced the decision on Wednesday evening.
The two mRNA vaccines which have been approved in Australia, Pfizer and Moderna, are still the preferred booster doses, irrespective of the primary vaccine a person received, the TGA said.
"This includes for people who received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for their primary course," the authority said in a statement.
"The Australian government continues to encourage individuals to have a booster following their initial two vaccination doses to enable strong protection against severe illness and hospitalisation, particularly from the Omicron variant."
The TGA said a person would need to consult their doctor before being allowed to have the AstraZeneca booster.
"The third [booster] dose may be given if clinically indicated with reference to official guidance regarding the use of a heterologous third dose," it said.
"This means that the decision to receive Vaxzevria as a booster must be made in consultation with a medical professional."
AAP/ABC
