Most people who test positive for COVID-19 will likely only experience mild symptoms and recover without requiring special treatment or hospitalisation, especially if fully vaccinated. The majority will be able to self-manage their illness by referring to the RACGP’s COVID-19 patient guide.
If you want to talk to your usual GP about your results or any symptoms please make a telehealth appointment.
Patients experiencing worsening or severe COVID-19 symptoms to call 000 immediately.
ATAGI made updated booster recommendations https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination/booster-doses, which replaced previous advice.
The following recommendations apply to adults whose last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection (whichever is the most recent) was 6 months ago or more. It does not matter how many doses the person has received before.
ATAGI recommends a booster dose in early 2024 for all adults aged 65 years or older.
ATAGI recommends a booster dose in early 2024 for adults aged 18 to 64 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs.
Other adults aged 18 to 64 may consider a booster dose in early 2024, based on an individual risk–benefit assessment with their immunisation provider.
A booster dose may be considered for children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs. This should be based on an individual risk–benefit assessment with their immunisation provider.
ATAGI does not currently recommend a booster dose for children and adolescents aged under 18 years who do not have any risk factors for severe COVID-19.
ATAGI does not recommend booster doses for children aged under 5 years at this time.
ATAGI expects that all currently available COVID-19 vaccines will provide a benefit, but prefers bivalent mRNA booster vaccines over other formulations:
Novavax can also be used for booster doses, but is not preferred. Pfizer 5 to 11 years formulation (orange cap) can be used in children aged 5 to 11 years.
See ATAGI 2023 booster advice for details of the rationale behind the above booster recommendations.
For more details on vaccines see: COVID-19 vaccine information.
We do not currently offer any covid vaccines. If you need to access a COVID vaccine you can find participating vaccination sites using the Department of Health’s COVID Vaccine Clinic Finder.
To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, visit health.gov.au
