Vaccination providers, including general practices, in South Eastern NSW can begin to administer the first bivalent COVID-19 vaccine available in Australia over the next three weeks with some practices receiving the vaccine today.

The bivalent vaccine will be introduced as existing stocks of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are exhausted and is only available as a booster dose for people aged 18 years and older. It targets two different strains of the COVID-19 virus: the original 2020 strain and the Omicron variant BA.1.

The Australian Government has accepted a recommendation from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) to add the Moderna bivalent COVID-19 vaccine as one of the vaccines available as a third and fourth dose in people aged 18 years and older.

Dr Katherine Michelmore, COORDINARE’s newly appointed Medical Director said: “People who are due for a COVID-19 vaccine are advised to use whichever vaccine is available to them when they book their appointment. “

“All COVID-19 vaccines continue to offer important protection against severe disease. ATAGI is not yet recommending any extra booster doses beyond the second booster dose (fourth dose in selected populations),” she said.

“COVID has not disappeared and still has a significantly high death rate. This new vaccine is important because it demonstrates how vaccines can be adapted to address different variants of the virus.” said Dr Michelmore.

ATAGI’s statement on the use of the Moderna bivalent Original/Omicron vaccine here.

To book a COVID booster dose view the Vaccine Clinic Finder here.

Immunisation, Media release