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ATAGI have published updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccine booster .
Information about COVID-19 vaccines and recommendations for vaccination are now included in the Australian Immunisation .
Clinical recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has made recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines, including:
- primary schedules, including mixed schedules
- booster doses
- considerations for special populations
- coadministration with other vaccines
- minimum valid dose schedules.
Clinical recommendations for COVID-19
ATAGI 2024 COVID-19 booster doses
ATAGI recommendations on the use of XBB.1.5 COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccine doses and administration
Refer to the following information on COVID-19 vaccines that have been provisionally approved for use in Australia. Find out their dosage, volume, schedules and preparation:
- ATAGI guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccine brands, dosage and
- ATAGI recommended COVID-19 vaccine poster – A4
- COVID-19 vaccines for use in Australia – A3
COVID-19 vaccine contraindications and precautions
Learn about contraindications and associated with each COVID-19 vaccine and extra precautions for certain groups.
COVID-19 vaccine adverse events
Immunisation providers must report any adverse events following immunisation (AEFI). Find out more about common and uncommon AEFI following Immunisation with COVID-19 .
Refer to Adverse Events following Immunisation (AEFI) reporting.
AusVaxSafety continues to actively monitor vaccine safety for COVID-19 vaccines delivered in the community through two surveillance tools - SmartVax and Vaxtracker. Find out more about active vaccine safety and how your health service can be involved.
COVID-19 vaccine administration errors
Refer to the ATAGI guidance for possible vaccine administration including when a replacement (repeat) dose is recommended.
Learn how to avoid vaccine errors and establish practices that can identify report and manager vaccine errors. Refer to Vaccine error management.
Storage, handling and preparation of COVID-19 vaccines
Immunisation providers must store and handle all vaccines according to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for .
Learn about additional storage and handing requirements for COVID-19 .
Preparation and use of multidose vials
Refer to ATAGI guidance on the use of multidose vials for COVID-19
Cold Chain Breach Management
All cold chain breaches involving COVID-19 vaccines must be reported to the Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC) using the COVID-19 Cold Chain Breach reporting .
In the event of a CCB, isolate the vaccines in the vaccine refrigerator, mark them 'do not use/do not discard' until you receive advice.
Report to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
It is mandatory to record all COVID-19 vaccinations given on the AIR. Ensure you use the correct brand name, dose number and batch number.
Refer to Services Australia for guidance on adding overseas COVID vaccines to the .
Further information can be found in Using the Australian Immunisation
Authorised COVID-19 immunisers in Victoria
Nurse immunisers, pharmacist immunisers, intern pharmacist immunisers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner immunisers have been authorised to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in Victoria.
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Secretary Approvals have been issued authorising nurse immunisers and pharmacist immunisers to possess and administer any COVID-19 vaccine that has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in accordance with the conditions outlined in the Approval. The Secretary Approvals are time-limited and have been extended (with amendments) for a further 12 months from 5 October 2023 until 4 October 2024 (inclusive), unless revoked earlier.
- Refer to Nurse immunisers for a copy of the COVID-19 vaccine Secretary Approval for nurse immunisers.
- Refer to Pharmacist immunisers for a copy of the COVID-19 vaccine Secretary Approval for pharmacist immunisers.
On 21 August 2023, registered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner (ATSIHP) immunisers were authorised via a Secretary Approval to administer vaccines (including the COVID-19 vaccine) under the written instruction of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner or authorised midwife.
- Refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner (ATSIHP) immuniser for a copy of the Secretary Approval for ATSIHP immunisers.
On 24 April 2024, intern pharmacist immunisers were authorised via a Secretary Approval to administer vaccines (including the COVID-19 vaccine) under the direct supervision of an experience pharmacist immuniser.
• Refer to Pharmacist Immunisers for a copy of the Secretary Approval for intern pharmacist immunisers.
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Nurse immunisers, pharmacist immunisers, intern pharmacist immunisers and ATSIHP immunisers are required to complete an ‘Immuniser program of study’ and other training as specified in their respective Secretary Approvals.
From 1 October 2023, completion of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care’s COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program (CVTP) training is no longer mandatory for COVID-19 vaccination providers participating in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Completion of the CVTP training has been removed as an additional training requirement in the updated Secretary Approvals.
All immunisers must maintain competence and operate within their individual scope of practice by ensuring that they have the knowledge, skills and currency of practice for all vaccines that they administer.
For COVID-19 vaccine reference and learning resources, refer to
COVID-19 vaccination requirements for healthcare workers in Victoria
Secretary Directions were issued on 13 October 2022 which require specified healthcare workers employed or engaged by prescribed Victorian services be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Refer to Vaccination for healthcare workers for information about COVID-19 vaccination requirements for healthcare workers in Victoria.
Resources for immunisation providers
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Learning resources and education modules are available for clinical staff including:
- COVID-19 Vaccination training
- Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre - Use of Multidose
- Victorian Department of Health Cold Chain Management eLearning
- Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration
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- For becoming a COVID-19 vaccination provider, information and practice resources, visit the Australian Government Department of .
- Commonwealth to support conversations about COVID-19 vaccines. This includes resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and translated resources in many community languages.
- Clinical guidance from the for immunisation providers on administering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible patients, advice about rare side effects, contraindications, precautions and adverse effects.
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance - Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 .
Reviewed 24 April 2024