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ATAGI recommendations on a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine for individuals who are severely immunocompromised
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has made recommendations on the use of a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised.
ATAGI recommends a third dose as part of the primary course in individuals who are severely immunocompromised and outlines immunocompromising conditions and therapies for which a third primary dose is recommended.
This advice applies to everyone aged 12 years or over who fits the criteria.
An mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) is preferred to Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) for the third dose, but Vaxzevria can be used under certain conditions.
The recommended interval for the third dose is 2–6 months after the second dose of vaccine. A minimum interval of four weeks may be considered in exceptional circumstances (eg anticipated intensification of immunosuppression; outbreaks).
Antibody testing is not recommended to assess for immunity to SARS-CoV-2 following vaccination, including in immunocompromised people.
As a vaccine provider, you can record the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) as usual. Entering a third dose does not impact a person’s vaccination status in AIR.
Read the recommendations
Supporting COVID-19 vaccination uptake in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 12 years and over are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and are part of an identified priority population.
Increasing vaccination rates in these communities is critical to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families are safe when lockdowns end.
You can help increase vaccination rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by:
- ensuring your practice provides an opportunity for patients to identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and have their response recorded in your clinical information system
- running a search of your practice records for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and checking their vaccination status via AIR or My Health Record
- contacting all eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and offering priority vaccination to ensure they are safe when lockdowns end
- If they say yes, book them in (if your practice is vaccinating) or inform them about local vaccination centres and how to book.
- If they say no, invite them in to discuss the vaccine.
- offering vaccination when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients attend for other reasons.
You can find information to help you talk to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about COVID-19 vaccines on the Department of Health website.
COVID-19 vaccine safety surveillance
You can find the latest COVID-19 vaccine weekly safety report (with data on adverse events following immunisation up to 7 October 2021) on the Therapeutic Goods Administration website.
It addresses reporting of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia, immune thrombocytopenia and Guillain-Barre Syndrome after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine, and myocarditis and pericarditis after receiving the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
Survey: Your practice and the Vaccine Clinic Finder
healthdirect is proposing a system change to the way practices update their service details and connect their online booking systems to the Vaccine Clinic Finder.
The RACGP is conducting a survey to assess required resources and identify potential challenges for general practices in light of this proposal.
The survey will take around five minutes and all responses are anonymous. It will close at midday (AEDT) Monday 18 October 2021.
Complete the survey