Is it time for everyone to get a second booster vaccination?

Vulnerable people can now receive a second booster vaccination Source: AAP

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A second COVID-19 booster shot is currently only recommended for vulnerable groups of the Australian population, such as people over the age of 65. But with the Department of Health warning of a winter spike in Omicron's cases, some experts say it's time to offer a second boost more broadly.

More than 70 per cent of Australians have had at least three shots of the COVID-19 vaccine – that's the normal two doses, plus a smaller booster shot.

A second booster dose – a fourth total jab – is currently recommended for certain vulnerable groups, such as those over the age of 65, or those whose immune systems are severely weakened.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization provides recommendations to the government on the feasibility of a COVID-19 vaccine.

His latest advice, published in late May, states that – for the health of people under 64 years old – one booster is enough to protect them from serious illness.

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