3rd COVID-19 doses
People are now able to receive their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. There is a bit of a distinction of 2 different eligibility criteria, and I will outline them below
3rd dose of your primary course for immunocompromised people
If you have a condition that qualifies you for a 3rd primary dose, then you can receive this 2-month following your second dose of your COVID-19 vaccine. If you have received AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna – an mRNA vaccine is preferred as your 3rd dose – and this would be Pfizer in general practices.
AstraZeneca can be used as your 3rd dose if you have received AstraZeneca for your first 2 doses and you prefer this, or if you had a significant adverse reaction after your mRNA vaccines (anaphylaxis, myocarditis, etc). For clarity’s sake we will call this your 3rd dose and not a booster as in immunocompromised patients 3 doses is now considered a full course (though for certificate and Medicare purposes 2 are all you need to be considered fully immunised).
If you are coming to the clinic for this 3rd dose you will need to bring evidence of why you are eligible to have the dose between 2-6 months after your 2nd dose. You can find more details here on the ATAGI recommendations on the use of a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised fact sheet.
Booster doses for people who are not severely immunocompromised
If you do not fall in the above category but are aged 18 and over – then you are eligible for your BOOSTER dose 5 months after you have had your 2nd dose. Check on your COVID-19 vaccine certificate when you had your 2nd dose.
Pfizer is the preferred vaccine for the booster dose irrespective of which primary vaccine course you have received, however AstraZeneca can be used for those who had their first 2 doses with AstraZeneca, or if you had a severe reaction to an mRNA vaccine (anaphylaxis, myocarditis).
At present booster doses are not recommended to patients under 18, and those who received 3 doses as their primary course (severely immunocompromised) do not need a 4th booster dose 6 months after their 3rd dose.
Again the 3rd dose does not have any bearing on your COVID-19 vaccine certificate, vaccination passport or any other data.
Please read the ATAGI recommendations on the use of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine(s) here.
Booking your 3rd/booster dose
On our website you can click book online and click “Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Dose 3” and follow the instructions. You can book your appointment Monday-Friday with our practice nurses and come to the front of the clinic and let the reception know you have arrived by calling them.
All bookings are made online. If you are getting your dose between 2-5 months after your 2nd dose, you will need to have a letter from your GP or specialist stating the qualifying reason.
If it is 5 months after your second dose you will not need this letter.
Unfortunately, we cannot give the dose even a day before you are eligible due to the government and ATAGI criteria. Please do not take it out on our hardworking admin and nursing staff who are just trying to help vaccinate everyone safely and effectively. When you are eligible you will definitely receive your vaccine.
For general information about the booking, paperwork and being vaccinated process please read our page here on COVID-19 Vaccines at GSHealth.