COVID vaccines

ATAGI recommends a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for adults in the following groups, if their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection (whichever is the most recent) was 6 months ago or longer, and regardless of the number of prior doses received: 

• All adults aged 65 years and over
• Adults aged 18-64 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs.

ATAGI advises the following groups should consider a 2023 booster dose if their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection (whichever is the most recent) was 6 months ago or longer, and regardless of the number of prior doses received, based on an individual risk benefit assessment with their immunisation provider.

• All Adults aged 18-64 years without risk factors for severe COVID-19
• Children and adolescents aged 5-17 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs.
  
  

ATAGI advises that a booster dose is not recommended at this time for children and adolescents aged under the age of 18 who do not have any risk factors for severe COVID-19.

You can visit the ATAGI 2023 booster advice for further information. 

Vaccine boosters protect you from getting very sick with newer variants of COVID-19. Most Victorians have had 2 vaccine doses (a primary course). Once you have had these you can get your third dose, called a 'booster'. People who have had at least 1 booster are less likely to go to hospital and less likely to die, than people who have had 2 doses.

Everyone aged 16 years and older can have one booster.

Everyone aged 30 years and older can have two boosters. Boosters should be 3 months apart. If you are aged 18 years and older booster doses can be the bivalent vaccine which targets different variants.

All boosters are free for all Victorians. You can get them from your local pharmacy or GP. Find one near you using the Vaccine Clinic Finder.

The following guide is vaccination doses recommended by age:

• 6 months to 5 years – you can have a primary course if eligible
• 5 years and older – you can have the primary course and, if eligible, one booster
• 16 years and older – you can have the primary course and one booster. A second booster if eligible
• 30 years and older – you can the primary course and 2 boosters.

People who are pregnant are at higher risk of becoming very sick with COVID-19 and can get vaccinated at any point during pregnancy.

People who are trying to get pregnant or are breastfeeding can also get vaccinated.

Some children and adults have individual health needs that affect which vaccine they get and how many doses. They may also be able to get additional support to get vaccinated. These groups should speak to their GP or specialist.

They include children and adults with:

• a disability
• a severely compromised immune system
• complex or multiple health conditions.

For more information about getting vaccinated for these groups, see Additional vaccination information for specific groups.

For your primary course:

• if aged between 6 months and 5 years, you can choose the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine
• if aged between 5 and 11 years, you can receive the Pfizer vaccine
• if aged between 12 and 17 years, you can choose the Pfizer or Novavax vaccine
• if aged 18 years and older, you can choose the Pfizer, Novavax or AstraZeneca vaccine.

You may need additional doses based on your medical condition. Please speak with your healthcare professional.

For booster doses, if you are eligible:

• children aged between 5 and 11 years can receive the Pfizer vaccine
• children aged between 12 and 17 years can choose the Pfizer or Novavax vaccine
• adults aged 18 years and older can choose the Pfizer, Pfizer bivalent, Moderna bivalent, Novavax or AstraZeneca vaccine.

If you have any concerns about your health and getting the COVID-19 vaccine you can:

• speak to a GP or health professional
• call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.

You should bring a face mask, confirmation of your appointment, and a Medicare Card or Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) number if you have them.

Tell your provider if you are allergic to any ingredients in any COVID-19 vaccine or have had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccines or medicines in the past.

For more information about the different vaccines and how they work, see About COVID-19 vaccines.

You will be asked to wait 15 minutes after getting a vaccine. This is to make sure you are feeling okay, and the provider can respond to any issues.

For a couple of days after a vaccine you might experience:

• pain where you had the injection
• muscle ache
• headache
• fever.

These side effects are mild and a sign the vaccine is working. Speak to a GP if they become severe or are not going away after a few days.

All vaccines have a rare risk of severe side effects. Your provider will share what to watch for. If you experience these side effects, you should talk to a GP immediately.

For more information about vaccine side effects see About COVID-19 vaccines.

• Resources in languages other than English.
• Resources in Easy Read formats.
• Resources in Auslan.

It's normal to have questions or concerns, and possibly feel hesitant about getting the vaccine. It's important to get information about the vaccination from a reliable source to help you make informed decisions.

Your doctor or specialist can explain your options and which vaccine is best for you.

The Australian Government has answered common questions around the vaccine and has this information available in 63 languages.