Vaccination after COVID-19 infection

Learn about COVID-19 vaccination after a COVID-19 infection and when you need to get one.

Vaccination after COVID-19 infection

Everyone in Australia should wait 6 months between a previous COVID-19 vaccination and their next recommended vaccine dose. This is to optimise vaccine protection.

The gap between previous vaccination and a booster vaccination dose is likely to lead to a better immune response and longer protection from reinfection.

You should have your next scheduled dose of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible after 6 months. You should still have all the recommended doses for your age and health needs.

Read the latest advice from the Australian Technical Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on COVID-19 booster doses.

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Residential aged and disability care

Aged care and disability residents can receive a booster dose, from 6 months after a previous dose or 6 months after a confirmed COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 and other vaccines

If you have had COVID-19, you do not need to defer other vaccinations, for example your influenza vaccine. If you are acutely unwell (for example, you have a fever), we recommend you don’t get any vaccine.

Safety of COVID-19 vaccines after infection

There are no safety concerns with having a COVID-19 vaccine dose in 6 months of having COVID-19. However, a gap of 6 months between infection and vaccination is likely to lead to a better immune response and longer protection from reinfection

You can vaccinate earlier than the recommended 6-month interval in rare cases, including:

  • before  starting an immunosuppressant
  • before  overseas travel
  • if someone cannot reschedule vaccination easily (for example, outreach vaccination program).
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