Health and Aged Care Minister Greg Hunt yesterday revealed there is only one regulatory body left to agree on COVID-19 booster jabs for aged care residents after it was approved by the Federal Government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration.
“Subject to final ATAGI advice, it is expected that a general population booster program will commence no later than 8 November with original priority groups, including people in aged care and disability care settings, to be offered the option to receive a booster as a priority,” said Mr Hunt.
The first aged care resident to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was on 21 February, when Prime Minister Scott Morrison also received the dose – over eight months ago.
“I need to emphasise that if you have had two doses of COVID-19 vaccine you are fully vaccinated, and you are already very well protected against becoming severely unwell if you are infected with COVID-19,” said Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd.
“There is little evidence at this time, that protection against severe disease wanes over time in those who are double vaccinated. But what we do know if that antibody levels fall over time and there is a risk of breakthrough infections where vaccinated people may become infected and at risk of transmitting COVID-19 to others.
“So, a booster dose, if you like, turbo charges your immune response and provides additional layers of protection to you and to your loved ones, and to the wider community. If it is now six months since you received the second dose of your COVID-19 vaccine, there is no reason to be anxious. But I do recommend that if boosters do become available, that you present for your booster dose when it is your turn.”
