Eligible Tasmanians Encouraged to Book 2023 COVID-19 Booster Vaccine

Media release – Dale Webster, Deputy Secretary Hospitals and Primary Care, Department of Health, 20 February 2023

Eligible Tasmanians encouraged to book 2023 COVID-19 booster vaccine

The Department of Health is encouraging eligible Tasmanians to book their next COVID-19 booster vaccine with a local immunisation provider to give them additional protection against severe COVID-19 ahead of winter.

From today Monday 20 February, a 2023 COVID-19 booster is available for eligible people aged 5 years and older if they haven’t had a COVID-19 vaccination or COVID-19 infection in the last six months.

Department of Health Deputy Secretary Dale Webster urged Tasmanians at greatest risk to book now to increase their protection against severe COVID-19 prior to winter.

“The booster is strongly recommended for older Tasmanians, and other adults at greatest risk of severe COVID-19 as soon as they are eligible,” Mr Webster said.

“If you are an adult aged 65 years and over, aged 18 to 64 with a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19, or have a disability with significant or complex health needs – now is the time to book.

“If you are aged 18 to 64 years without risk factors for severe COVID-19, you should consider a 2023 booster dose in discussion with your immunisation provider.

“Parents and guardians of children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years who have medical conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs, should also consider a 2023 booster dose for their child, in discussion with their immunisation provider.

“Receiving the booster will increase your immunity to COVID-19 and mean you are less likely to get sick, become very unwell or die from COVID-19.

“There are more than 100 general practices and 100 pharmacies providing COVID-19 vaccines across the state, and Tasmanians can find one near them using the Clinic Finder on the Department of Health website.

“So, if it’s been six months since your last vaccine or infection, book your COVID-19 booster vaccine today by contacting your GP or local pharmacy.”

All available age-appropriate COVID-19 booster vaccines are expected to boost immunity and increase protection against severe COVID-19. However, bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines – including the Moderna Bivalent and Pfizer Bivalent vaccines – are preferred over other vaccines.

A 2023 booster dose is not recommended for children and adolescents aged under the age of 18 who do not have any risk factors for severe COVID-19.

Those who have not yet had their primary course of vaccination followed by a booster dose for those eligible, continue to be recommended to do so, even if they have COVID-19 in the past.

To find a vaccination provider near you visit: www.covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au or call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.