New COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia: Millions urged to get booster as cases rise

New COVID-19 vaccines against the current Omicron variant of the virus are available in community pharmacies across Australia.

The XBB 1.5 shots were approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in October and can be used as either a primary immunization dose or as a booster.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president Trent Twomey says the new vaccine available on Monday targets the strain of the virus currently circulating in the population.

“As cases of COVID-19 increase, it is important that anyone who needs to be vaccinated does so as soon as possible at their local community pharmacy,” Professor Twomey said.

'Health authorities have recommended that vaccines move away from formulations that target the original or ancestral strain.'

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization, known as ATAGI, recommends that anyone who has not yet been vaccinated should do without the new shot as an extra boost.

'The advice remains that you should wait six months after your last jab before getting your next booster shot, and older vaccinations still provide protection against the most serious symptoms,' Prof Twomey said.

The new vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna.

Pfizer has two formulations: one for patients aged 5 to 12 years and one for patients aged 12 years or older.

The Moderna shot is for patients 12 years and older.