Canberra, Dec 12 (BUS): Australia said on Sunday it would shorten the waiting time for people to receive a booster dose of COVID-19 after cases of the Omicron variant soared.
Australia had previously said it would offer the booster to everyone over the age of 18 who received their second dose of the vaccine six months ago, Reuters reported.
But as cases of the omicron variant rise, Health Secretary Greg Hunt said the time period will be shortened to five months after the second dose.
“A booster dose five months or more after the second dose will ensure that protection from the initial cycle is stronger and longer lasting and should help prevent the spread of the virus,” Hunt said in an emailed statement.
“Data from Israel show boosters that support reductions in incidence in eligible age groups, acute illness in those over 40 years of age and mortality in those over 60.”
Australia will use both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in its booster programme.
Australia is one of the most vaccinated countries, with about 90 percent of people over 16 years of age vaccinated.
However, on Sunday, Australia reported 1,556 cases in the past 24 hours as infections continued near the six-week high reported the day before.
Australia has recorded about 229,000 cases of COVID-19, far below the number of other countries, and 2,100 deaths.
MI