Eligible Canberrans will soon be able to get their winter COVID-19 vaccination at ACT Government clinics after the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) approved additional vaccination for specific cohorts.

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Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Health, said an extra vaccine dose would boost protection for Canberrans more at risk of severe outcomes as a result of contracting COVID-19.

“This is particularly important as we head into winter where we will see both COVID-19 and influenza circulating in our community,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

The government is preparing for a predicted surge in the BA.2 omicron variant, coupled with the ACT’s first ’flu outbreak in two years.

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Adults aged 65 and over; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and older; and residents of aged care or disability care settings will soon be eligible to access their second booster, four months from their first booster.

Severely immunocompromised people 16 or older who are who have already had a fourth dose will also become eligible for a winter booster at this time.

Ms Stephen-Smith expects to announce next week when bookings will open for winter boosters.

“COVID-19 is still very much in our community, and it’s important that we do everything we can to protect ourselves and those around us and being up to date with our vaccinations is key,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

“For Canberrans who haven’t yet had a third dose, getting your COVID-19 booster is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and the community from COVID-19.”

Walk-in appointments are available every day at the AIS. Ms Stephen-Smith encouraged anyone who still needed their booster shot to get it as soon as they could.

“The booster further reduces your chances of severe illness and death, and having the vaccine means you are less likely to catch COVID-19 and therefore pass it on to others,” she said,

People who have had COVID-19 can and should still get a booster to protect them against further infections.

“While you may delay vaccination for up to four months after recovering from COVID-19, you can get your booster shot at any time once you are fully recovered.

“Talk to a GP or health care provider after you have recovered from COVID-19 for advice on the best timing for vaccination,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

Bookings for boosters at an ACT Government clinic can be made online through MyDHR or by phoning the COVID-19 vaccination booking line on 02 5124 7700 between 7pm and 7am seven days a week.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit www.covid19.act.gov.au.