COVID-19 is not giving up
— help protect yourself
and your loved ones
Did you know that the protection of the two primary doses of COVID-19 vaccines decreases over time? SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is still evolving and can evade our immune responses.2
It's important to take necessary steps to reduce the risk of infection and help keep yourself and others protected against COVID-19 severe disease.2
COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in Australia in 2022, resulting in 9,859 deaths.*1
* As evidenced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics recent ‘Causes of Death’ report.1
What can we do to help protect ourselves
– and your loved ones – against COVID-19?
As well as keeping up-to-date with your boosters, there are other things you can do to help protect yourself and others against COVID-19.2
For example, the more space between you and other people, the harder it is for the virus to spread – so physical distancing is important.2 This means keeping 1.5 metres away from others wherever possible, practicing extra care on public transport, and avoiding crowds and large gatherings.2
Hygiene is also important including washing your hands often for 20 seconds with soap and water, and cleaning and disinfecting objects that you use a lot such as mobile phones, keys, wallets and work passes.2
You can also wear a mask to help protect yourself and those around you.2
Talk to your healthcare professional about the latest booster vaccines available.
Am I eligible for a booster?
Having COVID-19 will provide some natural protection against reinfection, but this decreases over time.3 Vaccination in addition to prior infection offers the best available protection against reinfection.3
To reduce the risk of serious illness and death, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) also advises that:3
Adults aged 75 years or older who received their 2023 booster 6 or more months ago are now recommended to receive an additional dose.
Adults aged 65–74 years who received their 2023 booster 6 or more months ago should consider receiving an additional dose.
At-risk* adults 18+ years and adults 65+ years who were recommended to have a 2023 booster and have not yet had one, should receive one as soon as possible.
*Includes a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs
Check your eligibility by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.
What if I am going travelling?
COVID-19 continues to pose a health risk both in Australia and overseas – and getting infected while away from home can really disrupt your travel plans.4
The Australian Department of Health strongly recommends wearing masks and being vaccinated if travelling internationally.4 You should practice good cough and hand hygiene and physically distance from others where possible.4
If travelling overseas, ATAGI recommends that a person may be vaccinated earlier than the recommended 6-month interval to help ensure they are protected.3
What to do if you test positive?
Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 can pass the virus onto others.4 Whilst isolation is no longer a legal requirement, if you test positive for COVID-19, staying at home protects the people in your community.4 Avoid high risk settings, manage your symptoms and if you need support, call the COVID-19 helpline on 1800 020 080.4
The COVID-19 vaccines are here to help your family, your friends, your community.
Please speak with your GP, pharmacist or other healthcare professional to determine your eligibility.
Vaccine eligibility
Not sure if you're eligible? Click below to find out more.
Your questions answered
It's natural to have questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
Click below to learn more about frequently asked questions.
Find a vaccination site near you
We can help you find a vaccination site near you—so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
References:
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Causes of Death, Australia. Available at: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/causes-death-australia/latest-release#australia-s-leading-causes-of-death. Accessed November 2023.
2. Australian Government. Department of Health and Aged Care. Protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/healthalerts/covid-19/protect-yourself-and-others. Accessed November 2023.
3. Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). ATAGI Update on the COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-update-on-the-covid-19-vaccinationprogram. Accessed November 2023.
4. Australian Government. Department of Health and Aged Care. COVID-19 and travel. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/covid-19/travel. Accessed November 2023.