Since 1 September 2023, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) updated recommendations to the previous ATAGI COVID-19 vaccine booster advice published in February 2023.
Full ATAGI information on recommended COVID-19 doses is available in infographic poster format here. This includes information on how the September 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster advice differs from advice published February 2023.
ATAGI recommended COVD-19 vaccine doses [1]
For individuals without risk factors [2]
6 months to 4 years
· Vaccination is not recommended.
5 years to 17 years
· A 2-dose primary course is recommended.
· A 2023 booster dose is not recommended.
18 years to 64 years
· A 2-dose primary course is recommended.
· A 2023 booster dose should be considered.3,4
· An additional dose is not recommended.
65 years to 74 years
· A 2-dose primary course is recommended.
· A 2023 booster dose is recommended.3
· An additional dose should be considered.3,4
75 years and older
· A 2-dose primary course is recommended.
· A 2023 booster dose is recommended.3
· An additional dose is recommended.3
Information current as of 20 November 2023
1. Monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines are preferred; for ages in which a monovalent XBB.1.5-containing vaccine is not approved, use a vaccine approved for that age group.
2. Includes those with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness (refer to ATAGI clinical guidance) or those with disability with significant or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities which increase the risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19.
3. 2023 booster (or additional) dose(s) should be given to eligible individuals from 6 months after a person’s last dose or infection; however where previous infection details are unknown, it is appropriate to proceed with the dose. A person may be vaccinated earlier in exceptional circumstances, such as before starting an immunosuppressant, before overseas travel or if someone cannot reschedule vaccination easily (such as in an outreach vaccination program).
4. Consider a booster (or additional) dose based on an individual risk benefit assessment with their immunisation provider.
ATAGI recommended COVD-19 vaccine doses [1]
For individuals with risk factors [2]
6 months to 4 years
· A 3-dose primary course is recommended.
· A 2023 booster dose is not recommended.
5 years to 17 years
· A 2-dose primary course is recommended.3
· A 2023 booster dose should be considered.4,5
· An additional dose is not recommended.
18 years to 64 years
· A 2-dose primary course is recommended.3
· A 2023 booster dose is recommended.4
· An additional dose should be considered.4,5,6
65 years to 74 years
· A 2-dose primary course is recommended.3
· A 2023 booster dose is recommended.4
· An additional dose should be considered.4,5
75 years and older
· A 2-dose primary course is recommended.3
· A 2023 booster dose is recommended.4
· An additional dose is recommended.4
Information current as of 20 November 2023
1. Monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines are preferred; for ages in which a monovalent XBB.1.5-containing vaccine is not approved, use a vaccine approved for that age group.
2. Includes those with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness (refer to ATAGI clinical guidance) or those with disability with significant or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities which increase the risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19.
3. A third primary dose is recommended for all people aged 6 months or older with severe immunocompromise who are receiving a 2-dose primary course.
4. 2023 booster (or additional) dose(s) should be given to eligible individuals from 6 months after a person’s last dose or infection; however where previous infection details are unknown, it is appropriate to proceed with the dose. A person may be vaccinated earlier in exceptional circumstances, such as before starting an immunosuppressant, before overseas travel or if someone cannot reschedule vaccination easily (such as in an outreach vaccination program).
5. Consider a booster (or additional) dose based on an individual risk benefit assessment with their immunisation provider.
6. If severely immunocompromised only. Refer to the ATAGI recommendations on the use of a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised.
More information on the ATAGI September 2023 updates can be found on the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.
The free COVID-19 vaccine is recommended to all eligible Western Australians.
Proof of vaccination
There are currently no declarations in place in Western Australia relating to COVID-19. Businesses can adopt their own policies, and work health and safety arrangements.
Your employer may request a proof of vaccination or of your exemption. Access your immunisation history statements from:
