Despite widespread immunity from vaccination and prior infection, COVID-19 continues to pose a significant health risk, particularly for older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic underlying conditions. In Australia, COVID-19 is estimated to cause between 2,000 and 5,000 deaths annually and leads to over 100,000 hospitalizations each year. Between 2020 and 2025, it has been identified as the leading infectious cause of death.
Vaccination remains a critical tool in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Public health recommendations have been updated to reflect the ongoing need for protection among high-risk groups. Adults aged 75 and older are advised to receive a COVID-19 booster every six months. For those aged 65 to 74 without underlying conditions, a booster every 12 months is recommended. Similarly, adults aged 18 to 64 with chronic health issues, such as asthma or heart disease, should also receive a booster annually.
Individuals residing in residential aged care facilities face a heightened risk due to close living quarters and potential for rapid spread. These residents are recommended to receive a booster every six months. Pregnant women who have never been vaccinated are also advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine. While data indicates vaccinated pregnant individuals experience fewer pregnancy complications, otherwise healthy, previously vaccinated pregnant women are no longer recommended for routine boosters, as the risk of severe disease from COVID-19 during pregnancy has diminished compared to earlier stages of the pandemic.
The rationale for ongoing vaccination in at-risk groups aligns with the inclusion of other routine immunizations, such as influenza and pneumococcal disease, for older adults. The World Health Organization supports integrating COVID-19 vaccines into routine adult and high-risk group immunization programs to mitigate severe outcomes. Evidence suggests that immunity from vaccines may wane over approximately six months, necessitating periodic boosters for sustained protection.
For the general population, particularly younger and otherwise healthy individuals, the risk of severe disease from COVID-19 is generally low. While additional boosters are considered safe and offer protection, the incremental benefit is smaller for those with existing immunity from prior infections and vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines are available every 12 months for adults aged 18-64, and individuals can choose to receive them based on personal assessment and consultation with a healthcare provider.
Children typically experience mild, cold-like symptoms from COVID-19. However, those with underlying conditions like obesity or chronic heart, lung, or neurological problems are at greater risk of severe illness. A primary vaccine course is available for children aged six months and older with conditions that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, and booster vaccines are available annually for children aged 5 to 17 who are severely immunocompromised.
Available COVID-19 vaccines include formulations targeting the Omicron JN.1 and LP.8.1 variants. Studies have shown these vaccines to be effective against hospitalizations in vulnerable populations and in generating antibodies against circulating variants. Public health authorities continue to monitor evolving COVID-19 strains to assess disease severity and vaccine efficacy.
Common side effects of COVID-19 boosters include fever, injection site pain, and fatigue. Severe adverse events, such as myocarditis, are extremely rare, occurring in one to two cases per 100,000 vaccinations. These risks are weighed against the benefits when making vaccination recommendations.