Boosters and additional doses – COVID-19
To receive the best protection against serious illness or death from COVID-19, you should get all the recommended doses for your age or individual health needs. Boosters are important to maintain this protection. All COVID-19 vaccines, including booster doses, are free for everyone.
Boosters
Read about the most up-to-date COVID-19 booster vaccine advice.
Difference between additional doses and boosters
- Additional doses are for severely immunocompromised people as part of their primary course. Additional doses are not the same as booster doses.
- Severely immunocompromised people aged five and over are strongly encouraged to receive a third primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine two months after the second dose. This is because you may have a decreased immune response to the standard COVID-19 vaccination schedule and be more at risk of severe COVID-19. This additional dose is to maximise your level of immune response to as close as possible to the general population.
Vaccination records and certificates
If you need proof of your full vaccination course, download your Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) through:
- the myGov website using your Medicare online account
- the Medicare Express Plus app
- My Health Record
- if you don't have a Medicare card, by calling 1800 653 809.
Vaccination after having COVID-19
Even if you’ve had COVID-19, you should still get vaccinated. If you have been vaccinated, you are far less likely to get severe disease if you get COVID-19 again.
You must not attend a vaccination appointment if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.
How to book
Use the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder to find a location to get your booster or additional doses. Speak with your GP or treating specialist to discuss your individual circumstances if you are immunocompromised. You do not need to return to where you got your primary course of COVID-19 vaccine. The dates you had your vaccine doses are listed on your COVID-19 digital certificate or Immunisation History Statement (available from the AIR).