Booster shots coming to Australia for immunocompromised people

·

People who are “severely” immunocompromised in Australia can expect coronavirus booster shots from next week. 

It comes after Australia’s expert panel on vaccines, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), approved the booster doses for about 500,000 people. 

“The third dose is intended to maximise the level of immune response to as close as possible to the general population,” ATAGI said in a statement.

The ATAGI warns people who are on immunosuppressive therapies like chemotherapy might not be fully protected by the regular two doses of a vaccine.

“Protection from three primary doses in severely immunocompromised individuals may still be lower than the general population,” they say.

“People should continue risk mitigation strategies such as mask-wearing and social distancing even after receipt of a third dose.”

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly supports the move. 

“Unfortunately [for] some people that have immune systems that don’t work as well as the general population, those vaccines may not lead to that protection,” Professor Kelly said on Friday.

“So the evidence is now clear that people in those categories of immune-compromised should receive a third dose. That should happen at a period after the second dose, between two and six months after that time of the second dose.”

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

What will it take to save Greek language in Australia?

Italian Greeks first proposed the creation of International Greek Language Day on February 9to celebrate the rich history of the Greek language.

Biracial families keeping Greek culture and language alive for the next generation

One recurring question when discussing Australia’s Hellenic community is how the next generation will be affected. Will they hold onto the language?

Professor Giorgos Babiniotis: ‘The Greek language is not a tool; it is a value system’

International Greek Language Day, celebrated annually on February 9, pays homage to the influence of the Greek language on human civilisation.

An ode to the Greek language by a teacher’s daughter

My mother, the teacher, always reminded me when we left Istanbul, where I was born, to come to Australia, for the sake of our language.

Niki Louca shares her favourite recipe for Lime Pistachio Cake

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for lime pistachio cake with The Greek Herald. 

You May Also Like

One woman dies as torrential rain floods large parts of Greece

One woman has died in Greece after her car was swept away by torrential water near Katerini in Macedonia, local media report.

Pauly’s Deli: A food kiosk with a Greek twist in Western Sydney

Pauly’s Deli, a five-month-old food kiosk in Greenway Wetherill Park, Western Sydney, offers a unique Mediterranean-influenced menu.

Financial deadlock: Cyprus Community of NSW in legal showdown over rescue plan

The ongoing legal turmoil surrounding the Cyprus Community of NSW Limited has escalated further, with a fresh statement.