Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Australia has provisionally approved the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19 as a booster shot for people aged 18 years and older. However, in its announcement, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) stated that Pfizer and Moderna’s mRNA vaccines remain the preferred boosters for Australians irrespective of the primary vaccine a person received.
According to the reports, it said anyone who wishes to receive the AstraZeneca jab, Vaxzevria, as a booster would first have to consult their doctor. The TGA stated that this includes for people who received the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine for their primary course. The Australian government continues to encourage individuals to have a booster (third dose) following their initial two vaccination doses to enable strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization, particularly from the Omicron variant.
Australia reported more than 25,000 new COVID-19 cases and over 50 deaths. The department of health data revealed there were 3,588 cases being treated in hospitals, including 274 in intensive care units.
