Advice from the leading experts on immunisation on booster shots has been called into question by the former deputy chief medical officer.
Differing advice from states, health experts and the federal government has caused mass confusion about when people who have had Covid should get their booster.
NSW has recommended four to six weeks, Victoria’s advice is six weeks. But the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has said you should wait until you’re over symptoms.
Speaking with the Today Show, Dr Nick Coatsworth raised questions over the body’s advice.
“I don't even think ATAGI has got solid advice on this,” he said.
“You will get immunity for a period after acquiring Covid infection. So you certainly don't need your booster straightaway.
“I don't think there’s any harm in getting it, in about four to five weeks afterwards but I think the current recommendation is somewhere in the order of three to six months but we’d have to get that information perfectly for you.”
His advice is a significant departure from his former colleague, deputy chief medical officer Professor Michael Kidd, who told reporters inxjmtzyw Canberra people should not be waiting to receive a booster.
“People who’ve been infected with Covid-19 (should) receive their booster within four months of that infection,” he said.
“But (ATAGI) did reinforce that people are eligible for their vaccine once their symptoms have resolved from their acute infection with Covid-19 and people should not be waiting to get that booster vaccine.
“Particularly at this time when we have such widespread Covid-19 through the Omicron variant in the community.”
