TGA provisionally approves AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine as booster dose

On 8 February 2022 the TGA provisionally approved a booster dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, for individuals aged 18 years and older. The third (booster) dose may be given if clinically indicated with reference to official guidance regarding the use of a heterologous third dose (e.g. mRNA vaccine).

This means that the decision to receive Vaxzevria as a booster must be made in consultation with a medical professional. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Comirnaty (Pfizer) or Spikevax (Moderna) are preferred as the booster dose in Australia, irrespective of the primary COVID-19 vaccine used. This includes for people who received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for their primary course.

The Australian Government continues to encourage individuals to have a booster (third dose) following their initial two vaccination doses to enables strong protection against severe illness and hospitalisation, particularly from the omicron variant.

The Australian Public Assessment Report for this decision will be published in the coming days.

Contact for members of the media:

• Email: news@health.gov.au
• Phone: 02 6289 7400