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Australia's vaccine scientists have recommended booster shots for severely immunocompromised Australians over 12.
They will be given a third Pfizer or Moderna shot between two and six months after their second dose, even if they had AstraZeneca before.
A decision on booster shots for the general population is expected by the end of October, Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Friday.
Australia's vaccine scientists have recommended booster shots for severely immunocompromised Australians over 12. Pictured: A Sydney CBD vaccination hub
Mr Hunt said the booster shots for an estimated 500,000 immunocompromised people will roll out from Monday.
'I'm pleased to be able to announce the first stage of the booster programme today,' he said.
Immunocompromised people include those who have had an organ transplant and some cancer patients.
Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said boosters for the general population could be rolled out between three and eight months after the second dose.
Some scientists say everyone will need a Covid vaccine once a year - but Professor Kelly said he hoped three doses would give lifelong immunity.
'A third dose is likely to be last dose that you have to do [in your life],' he said.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation said in a statement on Friday: 'ATAGI recommends a third dose of Covid-19 vaccine as part of the primary course in individuals who are severely immunocompromised.
'This is to address the risk of suboptimal or non-response to the standard two dose schedule.
'The third dose is intended to maximise the level of immune response to as close as possible to the general population.'
ATAGI said it does not recommend subsequent doses beyond the third dose at this time.
Many patients
