Severely immunocompromised people aged over 12 can receive a third COVID-19 dose at Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District vaccination clinics from Wednesday.
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Booking systems at the Mass Vaccination Centre in Wollongong, the Shoalhaven Hospital Vaccination Clinic in Nowra, and the Shellharbour City Centre Vaccination Clinic have been updated to enable those eligible to book third dose appointments.
As defined by Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, "severely immunocompromised" people are those:
- Receiving active treatment for cancer (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or hormonal therapy)
- With malignant blood cancers
- With organ failure
- With advanced or untreated HIV
- On immunosuppressive or biologic therapies.
The full definition list can be found on the Australian Government Department of Health website.
A third dose of the vaccine is different to a booster dose.
Third doses are part of the primary vaccination course for the severely immunocompromised, intended to increase their immune response to a level closer to the average fully vaccinated person, according to the ISLHD.
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An ISLHD spokesperson assured the community "there is plenty of vaccine to supply third doses while continuing to provide first and second doses to the broader community."
This announcement by the ISLHD follows advice from ATAGI recommending that a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine (preferably an mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna) will further increase their protection against the virus.
AstraZeneca can also be given for the third dose if the person received it for their first two doses, or, if they have previously had an adverse reaction to an mRNA vaccine.
The recommended interval for the third dose is two to six months after the second dose of vaccine.
Patients who are mildly to moderately immunocompromised are not being recommended by ATAGI to have a third dose at this stage.
The ISLHD said those who are unsure if they meet the ATAGI criteria for a third dose of vaccine should discuss their situation with their GP or specialist.
In addition to the District's clinics, third doses for the severely immunocompromised continue to be available at local GPs and pharmacies.
People receiving a third vaccination dose will be required to sign a declaration form confirming their health status.
Appointments are preferred and can be made by calling the ISLHD Booking Team on 1300 096 365 during business hours, or online via the ISLHD COVID-19 Vaccination Support form.
Due to the strict eligibility criteria, appointments will not be available via the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder at this time.
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Grace Crivellaro
Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury.
Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury.
