Australia is changing its definition of fully vaccinated: now three doses are “up to date”

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL –  Australian health authorities have updated their guidelines to state that a person is not considered “fully vaccinated” against Covid-19 until they have received a third jab, the first booster dose.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI) issued new recommendations Thursday that a third dose is required for a person to be considered “up to date on vaccination” against the virus.

A person is “up to date” if they have received all recommended doses for their age and individual health needs,” Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt was quoted as saying by ABC News.

All Australian citizens over the age of 16 are currently eligible for a booster dose just three months after completing the first two doses. Under the amended rules, a person who has not received a booster shot within six months is considered “overdue.”

Individuals under 16 years of age do not need a booster vaccination to maintain “current” status, except “severely immunocompromised individuals five years of age and older.”

The ATAGI guidelines were approved Thursday afternoon at a national cabinet meeting. The recommendation to administer three vaccine doses will not be mandated nationwide, except for elder care workers, and will be left up to individual jurisdictions.

International travelers are not affected by the new regulations.