The Australian government has approved two new COVID-19 vaccinations to target the current strains of the virus circulating across the community.
Both Pfizer and Moderna’s monovalent XBB 1.5 vaccines, which have been developed to offer protection against the Omicron subvariant, will soon be available for use after gaining the green light from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
“These new vaccines will help protect Australians against current strains of COVID-19 and demonstrate the government’s ongoing commitment to provide access to the latest and most effective vaccines,” Health Minister Mark Butler said.
“Vaccination minimizes the risk of serious disease and mortality from COVID-19, particularly for older persons and those who are immunocompromised.
“While we are no longer in the emergency phase of this pandemic, COVID-19 is still present, and people should continue to follow the advice of the experts from ATAGI, including getting vaccines as required.”
The Pfizer jab will be offered for everyone aged five or over, while Moderna has been approved for individuals aged 12 and older.
Both were cleared for usage in the United States in September last year. There has been no change to Australia’s vaccine eligibility recommendations, and the existing bivalent vaccines will continue to be offered.
“All available COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide strong protection against serious disease,” the health department said in a statement.
“The new XBB 1.5 vaccinations have been proven to provide modest enhanced protection against the COVID-19 strains prevalent in the community.
“The new vaccine is a nice reminder for people to be vaccinated if they haven’t received their recommended dose(s) in 2023.
“For people who have had their 2023 COVID-19 vaccination(s) they do not need to get vaccinated again and remain well protected against severe disease from COVID-19.”
The permission for the additional jabs as a new wave of the virus spreads over the country.
NSW health authorities stated last week cases were escalating and community transmission was at “moderate to high” levels, while Queensland CHO John Gerrard claimed more than 200 individuals had been hospitalised with the virus in four weeks. However, he also stated waves were getting less intense.
