The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has updated its advice for COVID-19 vaccination booster doses in 2023.

What Does the New Advice Say?

• all adults aged 65 years and over
• adults aged 18-64 years who have medical comorbidities, disabilities or other health needs that increase their risk of severe
  COVID-19
• all aged care residents who have not received a booster dose this year.

In addition, ATAGI continues to recommend that the following groups should consider a booster dose if their last dose or confirmed infection was more than six months ago:

• adults aged 18-64 years regardless of their risk factors
• children and adolescents aged 5-17 years who have medical comorbidities, disabilities or other health needs that increase their risk of severe COVID-19.

The number of prior vaccine doses is irrelevant to these recommendations.

What Do Providers Need to Do?

ATAGI advises that old age continues to be a risk factor for severe illness caused by COVID-19. Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of severe illness, morbidity, and death. Providers of residential aged care should make sure they know the vaccination status of all their residents and take steps to ensure that all residents have timely and convenient access to COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses.