Key Points
- The bivalent vaccine generates higher antibodies against Omicron's subvariants
- The vaccine can only be used as an alternative to other booster doses
- Common side effects of the new vaccine include injection site pain and headaches
Australia has approved Moderna's bivalent booster dose in people aged 18 and over.
The new booster dose provides better protection against the original strain and multiple subvariants of Omicron.
Health Minister Mark Butler said the first vaccine batch has arrived in the country and is undergoing testing.
The new stock will be rolled out once the existing stocks of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine are exhausted.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) said Moderna's bivalent vaccine generates 1.6 to 1.9 times higher antibody response against multiple Omicron subvariants, including BA.1 and BA.4/BA.5, compared with the original vaccine.
"The most commonly reported adverse reactions following a second booster dose of the Moderna bivalent vaccine were injection site pain, fatigue and headache," the ATAGI said.
"There is no reason to believe the safety of the Moderna bivalent vaccine is any different to other Moderna mRNA vaccines."
ATAGI has maintained its current recommendation for booster doses.
It is still optional for people aged 30-49 without other risk factors to get their second booster dose.
People aged 50 and over are eligible for a second booster dose.
The Northern Territory said people ending the self-isolation period after five days must wear face masks for another two days outside their home.
Find a Long COVID clinic
Find a COVID-19 testing clinic
Register your RAT results here, if you're positive
Read all COVID-19 information in your language on the
