COVID-19 vaccine clinical information

Webinar filmed: March 2021
Please note: this information in this resource was current at the time of release. As this is an evolving situation please check information from your local government website.

Join Lung Foundation Australia and Prof. Peter Wark for our COVID-19 vaccine webinar for healthcare professionals. In this webinar Prof. Wark will discuss the latest COVID-19 vaccine trial data, side effects and practical considerations for health professionals caring for people living with lung conditions.

Vaccines and boosters

COVID-19 vaccines offer significant protection against severe COVID-19 infection. It can be difficult trying to keep up with the latest advice on when to get a vaccine and who is eligible. To assist, the latest recommendations on booster doses are summarised below (as per Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024): 

Recommendations by Age Group

75 years and older

• Recommended every 6 months.

65-74 years

• Recommended every 12 months. Can consider every 6 months.

18-64 years

• With severe immunocompromise: Recommended every 12 months. Can consider every 6 months.
• Without severe immunocompromise: Consider every 12 months.

5-17 years

• With severe immunocompromise: Consider every 12 months.
• Without severe immunocompromise: Not recommended.

Under 5 years

• Not recommended.

Other Key Information

• COVID-19 vaccines remain funded for all eligible individuals, including those without a Medicare card.
• COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with any other vaccine for people aged 5 years and over.

Antiviral treatment

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible for antiviral treatment if you are:

• 70 years of age or older
• 50-69 years of age and with one additional risk factor
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, 30 years or older and with one additional risk factor
• An adult who is moderately to severely immunocompromised
• An adult who has experienced a past COVID-19 infection resulting in hospitalisation