Time for your COVID-19 booster shot

Winter is just around the corner, so now is the time to get your COVID-19 booster shot, with the East Grampians Health Service Vaccination Clinic working in partnership with the Ararat Medical Centre to deliver vaccinations every Thursday.

East Grampians Health Service Chief Executive Nick Bush said most Victorians had their last COVID vaccination more than six months ago, and with immunity waning over time, protection against the virus will be low.

“The 2023 booster dose is now available for everyone aged 18 and above,” he said.

“The 2023 booster dose is especially recommended for everyone aged 65 and above and those aged 18 and above with a disability or complex medical condition which can make them very sick with COVID. Children between five and 17 years at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2023 booster dose.”

You can have your booster dose six months after your last dose or COVID infection.

If you are 18 years and older, you can choose the bivalent vaccine as your booster dose, which targets the original COVID-19 strain and omicron variant. The bivalent vaccine is the preferred vaccine for booster doses.

You may need additional doses based on your medical condition. Please speak with your healthcare professional for more information.

If you have concerns about your health or getting the COVID-19 vaccine, you can speak to a GP or call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.

No appointments are necessary to obtain the booster shot, attend at the Ararat Medical Centre on Thursdays between 8.30am-4pm (closed between 12pm-1pm).

For enquiries, please phone the Ararat Medical Centre on 5352 2311.

For more information, visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-vaccinated

To view ATAGI’s latest booster dose advice, read https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-2023-booster-advice