I’ve recently had COVID-19, should I get a third dose of the vaccine? 

Yes, a COVID-19 third dose is strongly recommended for everyone over the age of 16 because it boosts your immunity against COVID-19, helping to prevent the loss of protection that comes with weakening immunity over time. 

Protection from a third dose of vaccine is significantly stronger than the level of natural immunity you may receive from Omicron infection, even if you have already had two doses of vaccine. 

Natural immunity from Omicron infection in the absence of vaccination is unlikely to protect you from being infected with the Delta variant, which is still circulating in the community. 

It’s important to remember that Omicron is not a mild variant. More people are experiencing milder symptoms compared to previous variants because over 93% of Australians aged 16 and over have received at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Omicron variant is more severe than the original strain of COVID-19 that originated in Wuhan in 2020. 

How much does a third dose boost my protection against severe disease? 

People who have had their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are nine times less likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19 than those who are unvaccinated. They are almost three times less likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19 than those who have received two doses of vaccine. 

After recovering from COVID-19 infection, how long should I wait before getting my third dose? 

If you have recently had COVID-19, it is safe and appropriate for you to get your third dose as soon as you have finished your isolation period and your symptoms have resolved. 

This means that for people who have recently had COVID-19, as soon as you have finished your isolation period and your symptoms have resolved and you are three months since your second dose, you should book in and get your third dose to get protected. Don’t wait for a longer period – get protected as soon as you can. 

A COVID-19 third dose vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community from severe disease, hospitalisation and death. 

For more information about where to get your third dose, click here.