A total of 80.1 per cent of Western Australians, aged 16 and older, have now received a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccination, the highest rate of all State and Territories in a major achievement for WA.
As of yesterday, the national average of the third dose rate reported was 65.3 per cent.
WA's world-leading vaccination rates have contributed to the State securing a soft landing through the Omicron wave, reducing hospitalisations and ICU admissions.
This important achievement would not have been possible without the community of Western Australia pulling together and Rolling Up to protect each other and the WA community against COVID-19.
Western Australians who have not yet received a third dose are urged to get vaccinated and those who are eligible are encouraged to receive a fourth winter booster dose when due to further protect themselves from the virus.
The winter booster is now available and recommended for those eligible, to further protect at-risk individuals including:
- adults aged 65 years and older;
- residents of aged care or disability care facilities;
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and older; and
- people aged 16 years and older with severe immunosuppression, who are already on their fourth dose - meaning this group will be obtaining their fifth dose, as part of their winter booster vaccine.
- The winter booster can be given from four months after the person has received their third dose or last booster dose.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) does not currently recommend a fourth dose for healthy people who are not in one of the above groups, however people can seek further advice from their GP or health professional.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"I am pleased to confirm that 80.1 per cent of eligible Western Australians have received their third dose vaccination. This is an achievement we, as a State, can all be proud of.
"WA's preparedness and management of Omicron has meant we have been able to safely secure our soft landing.
"WA's approach to COVID-19 management and our preparation has put us in the best possible position to safely lead our lives, continue to do business and operate in a COVID-19 environment.
"I'd like to again thank every Western Australian for continuing to do the right thing."
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Thanks to the collective efforts of all Western Australians we have achieved a remarkably high vaccination rate.
"We now have 80.1 per cent of our community well protected against the Omicron strain, having received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccination.
"Vaccinations are the best tool we have to protect our community and I would urge anyone who is not yet fully vaccinated to get a third or, if eligible, a fourth dose when due."
As stated by Vaccine Commander Gary Dreibergs:
"It's great to see the people of WA have taken every step to protect themselves against COVID-19 infection.
"As the Vaccine Commander, I am very proud of the outstanding work of all the health professionals and support workers who have helped achieve this result. The dedication of all those involved in the delivery of vaccinations throughout the State has been incredible.
"I know there is still more work to do in some regional and remote parts of the State, particularly in our Aboriginal communities, where we continue to spread the message of protecting culture and community.
"Parents also need to ensure we don't forget to vaccinate children aged 5-11, as they are still catching up after starting later in the vaccination program."
