More than 7 million Australians are now eligible to receive a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose after the nation's expert vaccine advisory body updated its recommendations.
The new advice comes amid rising COVID case numbers and hospitalisations in Queensland, fuelled by the spread of the new Omicron sub-variants – BA.4 and BA.5.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) says a fourth dose will boost protection against the new strains and "reduce the burden" on the health system.
Here's what you need to know about rolling up your sleeve again.
Who is now eligible for a fourth dose?
ATAGI has recommended people over 50 should have their fourth dose.
People aged 30 to 49 can choose to have it.
A second booster is already available to people over 65, aged care residents, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and older, people with a disability, the immunocompromised and anyone over 16 with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19.
ATAGI says those already eligible remain at high risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19.
When and where can I get my fourth dose?
From next week – Monday, July 11.
You can get your vaccine from a Queensland Health clinic or through a general practitioner (GP) or pharmacy.
You can find a list of COVID-19 vaccination locations here.
You'll need to book online or check if your preferred location accepts walk-ins.
Why should I get it?
In Queensland, less than 50 per cent of people currently eligible have had a fourth vaccine jab.
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath says that's concerning, as data shows those aged over 65 are at greater risk of developing COVID-19.
"So that's a pretty big incentive to go out and get your booster."
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Queensland vice-president Bruce Willett said the fourth dose helps reduce the risk of severe COVID outcomes and pressure on hospitals.
"We know that vaccination is the most effective way of preventing people getting serious consequences of COVID, in particular, hospitalisation, ICU visits and even deaths," Dr Willett said.
"I'm particularly putting a big call-out to those over 65 who haven't had that booster to get it as soon as they possibly can."
And if you've had COVID recently, it is very possible you can get it again in Queensland's current third wave, as the dominant sub variants BA.4 and BA.5 are the most contagious yet.
The chance of reinfection is more likely with these new strains, as they are better at evading immunity from both vaccines and previous infections.
However, a fourth dose will help increase your immunity.
Is there enough vaccine supply in Queensland?
Yes.
Queensland Pharmacy Guild branch president Chris Owen said there is "no shortage" of vaccines across the community pharmacy network.
"We don't anticipate any shortage in the short-term," Mr Owen said.
"The timing is actually perfect, we've had the free flu vaccines but demand for flu vaccines is actually dropping at the moment, so to have another COVID dose introduced at this time is not a bad thing.
"We're really well trained and we've got those systems nailed down to the point where we can rollout these mass vaccination requirements to a lot of people in a short period of time."
Dr Willett said there may be some general practice appointment delays due to high demand and staff shortages.
"We are dealing with a COVID pandemic and flu epidemic as well as having people struck down in our health services with COVID and influenza, so that's probably the main stress at the moment," he said.
"People may have to be a little patient with either their GP or other provider in terms of getting these vaccinations [appointments] because everyone is pedal to the metal at the moment."
I've just had COVID and/or another vaccine. How long do I need to wait to get my fourth dose?
Three months.
ATAGI has recommended the interval between vaccine doses or prior COVID infection – whatever comes later – be reduced from four months to three months to provide "earlier additional protection."
People may be able to receive the vaccine after a shorter interval in special circumstances, but that wait time cannot be less than three months.
What type of vaccine will I get for my fourth booster?
Pfizer and Moderna — both are mRNA vaccines — are ATAGI's preferred vaccines for a booster dose.
You can receive the AstraZeneca vaccine if you can't have an mRNA vaccine for medical reasons or if you decline one.
Novavax is also approved to be administered as a fourth dose for people aged 18 and over, but only for medical reasons.
I'm under 30 – when can I get my fourth shot?
Not anytime soon, at this stage.
Currently, ATAGI does not support making the fourth dose available to healthy adults under the age of 30.
It says this is because it is "not clear whether the benefits outweighed the risks in this population group".
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said there was "a strong case" for Australians under 65 to receive the additional booster shot but said there was an "open question" about whether young, healthy people needed it.
Will I need the fourth dose to be considered 'up-to-date'?
No.
According to ATAGI, people aged over 16 years are considered "up to date" with their COVID vaccinations if they have had a booster dose.
Anyone under 16 years old is considered to be fully vaccinated after receiving two doses.
