COVID update
As the year draws to a close it is important that we remain cautious about COVID infections. With the current increase in COVID cases across Australia, the government is recommending that everyone is up to date on their booster shots.
The current ATAGI guidelines on booster shots are as follows:
Under 18: only require the initial three-dose primary course. Boosters are only recommended in those that are severely immunocompromised or otherwise at risk.
18 – 65 years: a single booster for 2023 at least six months since the last dose or since having COVID. A second booster can be considered in people with complex health issues.
65 – 75 years: at least one booster dose six months since the last dose or since having covid, but a second dose may be considered six months after the previous booster.
75+ years: ongoing booster shots are recommended at six monthly intervals or six months since having COVID.
As of December, there is a new COVID vaccine, the monovalent Omicron vaccine. The current recommendation is that if people are fully vaccinated under current standards with a previous vaccine type there is no need to also get re-vaccinated with the new vaccine. As always it is important to also remember to practice infection control techniques when sick.
Remember to RAT test if you have cold type symptoms, regularly wash/sanitise hands and if possible, wear a mask when going out in public.
COVID antivirals are still available if you are over 70-years-old and test positive to COVID-19 via rapid antigen testing, so contact your GP to organise a script.
Tim Ward, pharmacist
