Key points

• ATAGI has recommended the definition of fully vaccinated against COVID-19 change from ‘fully vaccinated’ to ‘up to date’. 
• The status change applies to people over 16 years now considered ‘up to date’ with their vaccination if they have had their third dose vaccine – or for those aged five to 15, considered up to date once completing a primary course of vaccination.  
• The new advice from ATAGI was endorsed by the National Cabinet meeting on Thursday 10 February. 
• The change in status will not apply to international travellers arriving to Australia. 
• Anyone that hasn’t had their third dose within six months since their last dose is now considered overdue.  
• National Cabinet has agreed they would not mandate booster shots nationally, except for aged care workers. 
• Local public health unit and health service communications, including website, social media, and booking and reminder system text (e.g. SMS messages) should reflect current definitions. 
• Third doses can be booked at local GPs, pharmacies and state-run vaccination centres using the Vaccine Clinic Finder. 
• People can also book your vaccination appointment online or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. Selected state-run vaccination centres are offering walk-in appointments. 

• TGA provisionally approved a booster dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, for individuals aged 18 years and older.  
• The third dose of AstraZeneca may be given if clinically indicated with reference to official guidance regarding the use of a heterologous third dose (e.g. mRNA vaccine). 
• The decision to receive a third dose of AstraZeneca must be made in consultation with a medical professional. 
• Moderna and Pfizer are still preferred as a third dose vaccine within Australia. 
  

For previous updates, please click the button below to view the previous Department of Health special bulletin distributed on 3 February 2022.

• Australian Government: health.gov.au/covid-19-vaccines
• Victorian Government: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccines
• Subscribe to Chief Health Officer Alerts: health.vic.gov.au/newsletters
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