Minister Barr: Booster interval brought forward to three months
- Written by ACT Government
Released 19/01/2022 - Joint media release
People aged 18 and over will now be able to receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine three months after receiving their second dose in the ACT.
This change had initially been slated to come into effect from 31 January 2022, but has been brought forward as vaccine supply in the ACT is plentiful and capacity is available at the ACT Government’s vaccination clinics.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said booster uptake in the ACT had so far been strong and this change would help increase coverage rates among the Territory’s adult population.
“Just like the initial vaccine rollout, the ACT is leading the way with booster doses with one in three Canberrans aged 18 and over now having received a third vaccination,” Chief Minister Barr said.
“Receiving your booster is the best defence against COVID-19 infection and serious illness.”
Acting Minister for Health Chris Steel said there was ample capacity available within the ACT Government’s vaccination program to ensure everyone had timely access to a booster, once becoming eligible.
“Through our two ACT Government vaccination clinics, we have capacity to up to 32,500 vaccinations a week so there is plenty of opportunity for everyone eligible to come and receive their booster,” Minister Steel said.
“Reducing the interval to three months will mean an extra 183,000 Canberrans are now eligible to receive their booster.”
Bookings at the AIS Arena clinic can be made by calling the vaccination booking line on 02 5124 7700 between 7am and 7pm daily or online using MyDHR for those aged 16 and over. If you have an existing MyDHR account, you will be able to book your booster appointment from this afternoon.
The Canberra Airport vaccination clinic will be reopened from next week, but will initially be focused on priority vaccinations for school and early childhood staff.
As of this morning, the next available appointment for the AIS Arena clinic was on 26 January.
Vaccination bookings can also be made at participating GPs and pharmacies. However, many GPs and pharmacies are currently at capacity for administering vaccinations and may not be in a position to bring forward the booster interval. If that is the case, you can still make a booking for to receive your booster at an ACT Government clinic.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases
