ATAGI has green-lit an extra COVID-19 booster for all adults, regardless of how many vaccine doses they have received already, to increase protection before winter.

Eligible patients could receive any available vaccine but the Omicron-specific bivalent mRNA vaccines were “preferred”, the advisory group said.

The Federal Government said the additional booster recommendation would come into effect on 20 February for adults who did not have a COVID-19 shot or confirmed infection in the previous six months.

It means people aged 30 and older will gain access to a fifth vaccine, while 18-29-year-olds without risk factors will be eligible for a fourth dose.