Question Number: 194
PDR Number: SQ22-000123
Date Submitted: 24/02/2022
Department or Body: Department of Health
67. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) closely monitors the epidemiology and characteristics of COVID-19, particularly the emergence of new variants, including Omicron, as well as emerging data on the need, potential benefits and optimal timing of a vaccine booster dose to prevent COVID-19 due to this variant.
In providing its recommendations regarding the use of COVID-19 booster doses, ATAGI includes references to the relevant key clinical information relied upon in developing the statements. These can be found at: www.health.gov.au using the search term ‘ATAGI’.
68. The Australian Government strongly supports immunisation as a safe and effective public-health measure to prevent the spread of many diseases in the community that can cause hospitalisation, serious ongoing health conditions, or even death.
COVID-19 vaccines have been demonstrated to be safe and effective and as such are recommended for all Australians from five years of age. There are very few situations where a vaccine is contraindicated and as such, medical exemption is expected to be rarely required.
The ATAGI guidance on acute major medical conditions that warrant a temporary medical exemption relevant for COVID-19 vaccines provides information for vaccination providers when considering if a temporary or permanent medical exemption is required.
69. ATAGI’s clinical guidance contains information about contraindications to COVID-19 vaccines, both generally and to the specific vaccines that are currently available in Australia. People with a medical contraindication to one COVID-19 vaccine (such as Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca)) are usually able to access another COVID-19 vaccine (such as Comirnaty (Pfizer)).
However, in some cases, individuals may have contraindications to all available COVID-19 vaccines. People in these circumstances can ask their GP, or other eligible health professional, to report a medical contraindication to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). Individuals who have a medical contraindication reported to the AIR for all COVID-19 vaccines (available for use in Australia) will be able to generate vaccination evidence such as the COVID-19 Digital Certificate, including for use for exemption of state and territory government vaccine requirements. The information will also appear on their Immunisation History Statement.
