Booster vaccination

Who is eligible?

You are eligible for a booster vaccination if you:

• are aged 16 years and over, and
• have completed your primary dose course of COVID-19 vaccination (have received 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine where 2 doses are the complete course, or 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine where a single dose is the complete course, or 3 doses if you are severely immunocompromised), and
• received your last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 3 months ago.

People aged 12 to 15 years with complex health needs are also recommended to get a booster vaccination. This includes those who:

• are severely immunocompromised
• have a disability with significant or complex health needs
• have complex and/or multiple health conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 are also recommended to get a booster vaccination. 

If you have recovered from COVID-19

You can get a booster vaccination 3 months after confirmed COVID-19 infection. 

If you are pregnant

Booster doses are recommended for pregnant women.

Read frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.

Additional booster dose

Recommendations for an additional booster (fourth) dose focus on protecting the most vulnerable groups against severe illness.

From July 2022, you are recommended to have an additional COVID-19 booster dose if you are:

• aged 50 years or over
• a resident of an aged care or disability care facility
• aged 16 years and over and severely immunocompromised (this will be a fifth dose)
• aged 16 years and over years and have complex, chronic or severe conditions, including:
  • Immunocompromising conditions
  • Cancer
  • Specific chronic inflammatory conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and similar
  • Chronic lung disease.
  • Chronic liver disease.
  • Severe chronic kidney disease
  • Chronic neurological disease
  • Diabetes requiring medication
  • Chronic cardiac disease
  • People with disability with significant or complex health needs or multiple
    comorbidities
  • Severe obesity
  • Severely underweight

People aged 30 years and over are also eligible to receive an additional booster if they wish.

You can get your second booster vaccination 3 months after your first booster dose. If you get COVID-19 before your next booster dose, wait 3 months after infection to receive it.

The COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be given at the same time.

The flu vaccine is always free for people aged 65 years and over, children aged 6 months to under 5 years old, Aboriginal people, pregnant women and people at higher risk of serious illness from flu.

Find an appointment

You can get a booster at thousands of locations across NSW including pharmacies and GPs.

The Vaccine Clinic Finder is the best way to find and book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Not all sites offer the Moderna Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine currently. After using the Vaccine Clinic Finder to find a clinic near you, please contact the provider to confirm availability before you attend your appointment.

If you need assistance to book an appointment, call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.

The Easy Vaccine Access (EVA) call back service can also help you book an appointment. Message ‘Hey EVA’ to 0481 611 382 from 7am to 10pm, 7 days a week.

You will need to bring proof of vaccination for dose 1 and 2 to your booster appointment. Accepted proof includes:

• your COVID-19 certificate
• your immunisation record.

About booster vaccination

Studies show that the immunity created by COVID-19 vaccines begins to wane over time. A booster dose helps to strengthen your immune system and improve your long-term protection against serious illness from the COVID-19 virus.

Approved vaccines for a booster dose include:

• 12  to 17 years:
  • The Pfizer vaccine is the approved booster vaccine for people aged 12 to 17 years.
• 18 years and over:
  • The Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines are recommended as boosters for people aged 18 years and over.  The Moderna Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine specifically targets the original COVID-19 virus and the Omicron variant.

The AstraZeneca vaccine can be used when an mRNA vaccine is medically contraindicated or a person declines vaccination with an mRNA vaccine.

The Novavax vaccines can be used if no other COVID-19 vaccine is considered suitable for that person.

COVID-19 booster vaccines are not mandatory, however if it is recommended and you have not had a booster dose more than 6 months since your second dose you will no longer be considered up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations (overdue).

Boosters are highly recommended to continue to protect you, your loved ones and your community against COVID-19.

More information

Read NSW Health’s frequently asked questions for more information about:

• Boosters for immunocompromised people
• Getting a booster if you are pregnant
• The difference between a third dose and a booster dose

Stay up to date with the latest advice on vaccines. 

Video: have you had your booster - in your language

A COVID-19 booster will help protect you and everyone you love. A booster will reduce your risk of serious illness by 95%. By protecting yourself, you’ll help keep your family, friends and community safe too.

Social media tile: recommended COVID-19 vaccine dose - in your language

Not sure if you’re up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations?

Check out this simple guide in your language to find out your recommended vaccine dose.

If you are severely immunocompromised you may need additional doses. Please speak to your GP about the right number for you.

Vaccination offers your best protection against serious illness from COVID-19.

If you’re due for your next dose, you can get vaccinated 3 months after your last dose or COVID-19 infection.