Shoalhaven residents will soon be able to roll up their sleeves for a booster jab, with shots available from Monday, November 1.
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Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District vaccination clinics are offering a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine to people aged 18 years and older, six months after their second dose, the district announced on Friday.
People who received their first doses of COVID-19 vaccine in the initial rollout earlier this year - aged care residents, people with disability, and frontline healthcare workers - will be among the first to receive the booster shots.
The ISLHD have updated their systems to enable those who are eligible to book in at the Mass Vaccination Centre in Wollongong, the Shoalhaven Hospital Vaccination Clinic in Nowra, or the Shellharbour City Centre Vaccination Clinic.
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The Federal Government announced on Thursday, October 28, that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) had both approved the booster program in Australia.
Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery and Clinical Governance, Deborah Cameron, assured there is enough Pfizer vaccine to support the booster rollout.
"We know people have been eagerly awaiting advice on booster doses. Our staff have been preparing for the announcement and are ready to vaccinate those eligible when doors open on Monday," said Ms Cameron.
"We have plenty of Pfizer vaccine to support the rollout of boosters while continuing to provide first, second, and third doses to those who need them."
The ISLHD also said AstraZeneca appointments will no longer be available at their clinics from Saturday, October 30, to allow the district to focus on delivery of Pfizer.
"Anyone who had their first dose of AstraZeneca at an ISLHD clinic will be contacted to arrange an appointment for their second dose," a statement said.
"AstraZeneca and Moderna continue to be available at participating general practices and pharmacies for those who are unable to receive the Pfizer vaccine."
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A third dose is 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.
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.
Booster shots will be available at local general practitioners and pharmacies.
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