The category of vaccines known as XBB 1.5 was approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in October and can be used as a primary vaccination dosage as well as booster dosages.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s National President, Professor Trent Twomey, said the new vaccine will be more targeted at the virus which is currently circulating among the population.

“With COVID-19 cases on the rise, it is important that anyone who is due for their vaccination does so as soon as they can at their local community pharmacy,” Professor Twomey said.

“Health authorities have recommended that vaccines move away from formulations which target the original or ancestral strain.”

Professor Twomey said that the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is not recommending those who are not due for their vaccination to get an additional booster because of the arrival of the new vaccine.

“The advice remains that you must wait six months from your last jab to get your next booster shot and older vaccinations still provide protection against the severest of symptoms,” he said.

The vaccines available are being manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna.

Pfizer has two formulations with one for patients aged five and over and less than twelve, and one for patients aged twelve and over.

The Moderna vaccine is for patients aged twelve and over.

Professor Twomey said Australia’s community pharmacies delivered during the pandemic and continue to deliver for patients today.

“We’ve administered more than 11 million vaccinations since the pandemic, so my advice is if you need a vaccination, think pharmacy first,” he said.

To find your nearest pharmacy go to www.findapharmacy.com.au.