Boost your COVID-19 immunity

COVID-19 vaccine third doses (boosters) are now available to anyone aged 18 and over who had their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine three or more months ago.

This is a change from the previous four-month interval.

A third dose – which will be Pfizer or Moderna - is strongly recommended to help prevent waning immunity against COVID-19.

You can safely get either Pfizer or Moderna as your third dose regardless of which COVID-19 vaccine you received for your initial doses.

You can also get a third dose if you have completed an initial vaccination course overseas with a COVID-19 vaccine recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Groups that are particularly encouraged to get a booster dose include people who are:

• at greater risk of severe COVID-19, such as those aged 50 years and older
• living with underlying medical conditions, residents of aged care and disability facilities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults
• more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 as part of their work.

How to get a third dose

You can get a COVID-19 third dose from a Victorian vaccination centre, pharmacy, GP or Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.

Book a third dose appointment online or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

Read more on how to book your vaccine appointment for a third dose, including information on walk-in options, or search online for a vaccine clinic near you.

You should complete a third vaccination consent form. Vaccine providers can either sight a signed form or have printed copies available for you to sign.

Your vaccination certificate will show the last two doses of COVID-19 vaccine you received which includes third doses. Third doses will appear on your Australian Immunisation Record.

People with immunosuppression

ATAGI recommends a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine (different from the general third dose) as part of the primary vaccination course in individuals who are severely immunocompromised.

People who are immunosuppressed can get a third primary dose at any Victorian vaccination centre offering third primary doses, or at a GP clinic.

Pfizer and Moderna are recommended regardless of the initial vaccine used. AstraZeneca can be given to those who received this vaccine for their first two doses.

It is recommended people with significant immunosuppression get a third primary dose between 2-6 months after the second dose, but it can safely be given as soon as 4 weeks after the second dose. 

People with immunosuppression who received their second dose more than 6 months ago are recommended to have a third primary dose as soon as possible.

For more information:

• visit the Victorian Government’s  who can get vaccinated page.
• read the related ATAGI announcement.