Getting vaccinated protects you from getting seriously ill with COVID-19.
Immunity wanes over time so get your booster dose now to get added protection ahead of winter.
A bivalent vaccine targeting the omicron variant is available for everyone aged 18 and above.
Even if you had COVID-19, you should still get vaccinated. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against the virus.
Who can get vaccinated
Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends the 2023 booster dose for people at higher risk of severe illness, including:
- Everyone aged 65 and above
- Everyone aged 18 and above who are at risk.
The 2023 booster dose is available for:
- Everyone aged 18 and above
- At risk children aged between 5 and 17 years.
ATAGI recommends 2 doses as a primary course for:
- Everyone aged 5 years and above
- At risk children aged between 6 months and 5 years.
At risk adults and children include those with a disability, severely compromised immune system and complex or multiple health conditions, which increase their risk of severe COVID-19.
You may need additional doses based on your medical condition. Please speak to your GP for more information.
Where to get a vaccination
You can get a free third or fourth dose from your local GP or pharmacist – find one near you using the Vaccine Clinic Finder.
After your vaccination
You might have side effects such as pain where you had the needle, tiredness, muscle aches, fever or chill and joint pain. Side effects are normal and a sign that the vaccine is working. They are usually mild and go away after a day or two.
Serious side effects are very rare. Contact your doctor if you are worried, or if any side effects have not gone away after a few days.
IMPORTANT:
Ovens Murray Public Health Unit no longer does COVID-19 vaccinations.