Our vaccine response is evolving to stay pace with the evolving nature of the COVID-19 virus.
Starting December 11, Australians will gain access to new monovalent booster vaccines.
These “monovalent” booster vaccines are expected to be a better match for currently circulating strains of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID.
Experts say that’s critical given Australia is in the midst of a fresh COVID-19 wave which could see millions infected (or re-infected) in the next few months.
Let’s discuss the details.
FAQ: Who is eligible for these new boosters?
As per ATAGI’s announcement, vaccine eligibility will remain the same as it has been since September.
They suggest that Australians aged over 75 should receive a vaccination if it has been six months or more since their last dose. For individuals aged 65 to 74, it is advisable to have a 2023 booster if they haven’t already had one.
As for adults aged 18 to 64 without underlying risk factors who have already obtained a 2023 booster, an extra dose is not recommended. However, if you fall in the age group of 18 to 64 and haven’t received a booster in 2023, you can contemplate vaccination.
For children without underlying conditions that elevate their risk of severe COVID, it is not recommended to get additional doses. Moreover, a primary course is not advised for children aged six months to five years without additional risk factors.
Adults aged 18 to 64 with underlying risk factors that heighten their susceptibility to severe COVID are also encouraged to have a 2023 booster if they haven’t already received one. Furthermore, if they’ve already received a 2023 booster, they can consider opting for an additional dose.
FAQ: How does the latest vaccine differ from earlier versions?
The current bivalent vaccines were designed to combat two strains – the ancestral strain along with the subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. However, the latest booster takes a different approach by targeting another subvariant of Omicron known as XBB.1.5, sometimes referred to as Kraken.
Similar to the original COVID vaccines, this new vaccine is monovalent, meaning it focuses on a single target. The target against the original viral strain has now been omitted based on advice provided to the World Health Organization in May.
This decision is primarily because immunity to the original strain is no longer deemed necessary. Infectious disease expert Brendan Crabb told the ABC’s News Daily if vaccines keep focusing on the original virus, people will be building immunity to an “irrelevant” strain of COVID-19. This doesn’t mean previous vaccines were ineffective though — they were designed to target the virus at a different stage of its evolution.
FAQ: Why are vaccines still important?
The current bivalent vaccines were designed to combat two strains – the ancestral strain along with the subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. However, the latest booster takes a different approach by targeting another subvariant of Omicron known as XBB.1.5, sometimes referred to as Kraken.
While COVID-19 is not an “emergency” anymore, there is a new wave of Covid-19 now sweeping Australia. According to wastewater testing, the EG.5 variant has been the most prevalent across Victoria. EG.5 is also known as Eris and has been growing in prominence across the globe for the latter half of the year and is now the most prevalent strain of interest worldwide.
We also see rises in COVID-related hospital admissions and antiviral prescriptions. Compared to past waves, this one has built up slowly and over a longer period.
Another useful indicator for COVID nationally is to look at trends in the number of prescriptions for the antiviral medications ritonavir (Paxlovid) and molnupiravir (Lagevrio) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Vaccines still offer the best chance to stay protected against serious infections.
FAQ: When can I receive my booster vaccine?
Heathershaw’s Vaccination Clinic will open appointments as soon as we receive vaccine supply of the new vaccine.
Opinions or facts expressed within the content have been sourced from various news sources. While every effort has been taken to source them accurately, the pharmacy, its owners, staff or other affiliates do not take any responsibility for errors in these sources. Patients should not rely on the facts or opinions in the content to manage their own health, and should seek the advice of an appropriate medical professional. Further, the opinions or facts in the content do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the pharmacy, its owners, staff or other affiliates.
