With over 90% population(aged 16 or more) double vaccinated and more than 1.3 million booster shots already administered, Australia is doing everything it can to protect people from the COVID pandemic.
In the awakening of the Omicron variant, ATAGI- Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation- has decreased the waiting time between the second and booster shots. Before, the waiting time was 6 months; now, it is 5 months.
Whether you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible VISA holder in Australia, you can book a COVID-19 booster shot in Australia. Nevertheless, the process is different for these categories.
The processing of booking and getting booster shots in Australia is a bit more complicated than just showing up at a vaccination centre and rolling up your sleeves.
If you are wondering “How to book a COVID-19 booster shot in Australia”, keep reading!
Process for Australian Citizens and Permanent Citizens
- You need to be fully vaccinated. You will be considered fully vaccinated if you have had vaccines recognized or approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). TGA-approved drugs are:
- Two doses at least 14 days apart of:
- AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
- AstraZeneca Covishield
- Pfizer/Biotech Comirnaty
- Moderna Spikevax
- Sinovac Coronavac
- Bharat Biotech Covaxin
- Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (for 18-60-year-olds).
- Or one dose of:
- Johnson & Johnson/ Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine.
- If you are an Australian citizen vaccinated overseas, you must link the overseas vaccination to the Australian Immunisation Register. If you have access to a Medicare Card, recording vaccinations administered overseas won’t be much hassle.
Additionally, past vaccination records must be in English (original or translated). If you would like to get your vaccination history translated, it’s best to go for a NAATI-approved translator. Visit the NAATI Website.
- After you have been registered with the “Australian Immunisation Register”. You can book the booster shot at a vaccination provider near you. Click here.
For Foreign Citizens (Overseas Visitor, International Students, Migrant Workers, Asylum Seeker)
- Create a myGov account by entering your passport, Visa details and valid Australian Phone Number.
- Unless you have a Medicare care or Veteran (DVA) card, you need an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI). If you already have IHI, great! If you don’t, you can get it by requesting here.
- After completing the above 2 steps, you can book your booster shot. All you need to do is approach the vaccination provider near you.
When you visit the clinic for a booster shot, you need to take proof of past vaccine/s administered overseas to the vaccination facility in Australia, along with your IHI details.
Important note: While the booster shot is free for everyone, some pharmacists may charge a fee to help get your vaccination record in order.
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