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The Department of Health says fifth doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are not currently being recommended for most people.
Key points:
- The department says ATAGI has not provided any advice fifth doses are needed for everyone
- Adults with a severely compromised immune system are eligible for a fifth dose
- Health authorities have warned a new wave of covid is beginning
Department officials told a Senate committee the vaccine advisory body ATAGI has not yet provided advice on whether or not most people should get a fifth dose of a COVID vaccine.
Health authorities have warned a new wave of COVID is beginning to make its way through the community and currently, only adults with a severely compromised immune system are eligible for a fifth dose.
Head of the department's COVID-19 Primary Care Response team, Lucas De Toca, said the department has not yet received advice from ATAGI on whether fifth doses will be necessary for all.
"I cannot pre-empt when ATAGI will provide the advice," Dr De Toca.
"At the moment ATAGI's firm statement remains that people should remain up to date with their vaccination.
"And based on the advice we have an older person who has stayed up to date and has had the fourth dose still has great protection against severe disease.
"ATAGI is continuously reviewing the evidence … and so as part of their regular meetings continue to review the booster advice."
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly said Australia has a world-class rate of vaccine uptake but that Australians should be conscious of maximising their protection as case numbers grow.
"It's very important Australians are aware that there is an increase in cases and there are some things people should consider doing," Professor Kelly said.
"Wearing masks indoors, if sick avoid going to high risk places and stay at home if possible.
"If sick and at higher risk of severe disease to make sure you have a plan to get treatments which are very effective and most importantly if you are due for a vaccine to get a vaccine."
High uptake in antivirals important, says health secretary
Health Department secretary Professor Brendan Murphy said access to antivirals for the elderly is likely more important than getting a fifth vaccine dose.
"We are seeing a very significant uptake now that this wave's started in antiviral use," he said.
"If you've had four doses and you're an old person who is vulnerable, it is probably a more important thing to get access to antivirals than to consider another dose for which the evidence is not very strong.
"We have one of the best antiviral uptakes in the world.
"It's one of the best markers we have of the pandemic, once cases go up antiviral use goes up."
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