DAVID KOCH:
Australia could start rolling out COVID booster shots within the next fortnight after Pfizer's vaccine received the tick of approval from regulators overnight. The third dose needs to be given at least six months after the second, meaning the original priority groups will be first in line for the new jab.
NATALIE BARR:
The medical advice is that people remain fully vaccinated after two doses of a vaccine, but the boosters will provide additional protection. Joining us now is the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd. Good morning to you. Tell us, will there be any requirement for people to get a booster dose if they don't want to?
MICHAEL KIDD:
Yes, good morning Nat. Yes. At this time, there's not a requirement that people receive a booster dose - we're not looking at mandating the booster doses. But as you've said, people who've had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are already fully vaccinated, very well protected against becoming seriously unwell if they contract COVID-19. But the booster, as it implies, boost your immune system even further. And it reduces the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and if you do become infected, of being able to transmit to other people. So it adds that extra layer of protection to all of us. So we hope, pending the advice from ATAGI, that everybody who is eligible for a booster will line up and get one once you reach the important six-month deadline after you have had the second dose of your vaccine.
DAVID KOCH:
So when, when does the original double dose wear off?
MICHAEL KIDD:
Well, at the moment, obviously, we're following very closely the research both in Australia and around the world, as well as the real-life experience in countries which started their vaccination programs before we did. There is no evidence that your immunity wanes over time, but what we have seen is that over six months or so after people have been vaccinated, we do start getting breakthrough infections where people may get infected. We're not seeing people become seriously unwell as a consequence, except, of course, for those people who we're already offering third doses, to people who are immune compromised.
NATALIE BARR:
So how do you get it? Is there a pecking order like there was with, with the first rollout? Or can you just call your GP? Or go to a hub?
MICHAEL KIDD:
Yeah. So, obviously, we're- you'll be waiting, again pending the ATAGI advice, six months. And, and then you'll be eligible for a booster dose. We currently have nearly 10,000 sites across Australia where people can get COVID-19 vaccines, including, of course, many general practices and pharmacies as well as the hubs and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. So there'll be plenty of places where people can get the vaccine, plenty of opportunities to get your booster dose when it's your turn. But, of course, we still have people who are yet to receive their first doses or get the second doses, and very important of course that we…
DAVID KOCH:
Yep.
MICHAEL KIDD:
… continue to vaccinate the country with those first two doses as well.
DAVID KOCH:
Okay. Just quickly, kids under 12, will they be- when will they be eligible to get vaccinated?
MICHAEL KIDD:
Yeah. So we've had some preliminary information from Pfizer, we're waiting for the full details from Pfizer about the use of their vaccine in children aged five to 11. We'll be providing, obviously, more information about that as the TGA makes decisions.
DAVID KOCH:
Okay.
NATALIE BARR:
Okay.
DAVID KOCH:
Alright. Michael Kidd, thanks for joining us.
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