Australia started the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on April 4

Australians over the age of 65 and other vulnerable groups will be able to get their fourth dose of the coronavirus vaccine in the coming weeks.

Australia’s top vaccine advisory panel has recommended that people at high risk of COVID-19 get a fourth booster dose to boost their protection ahead of winter.

A fourth booster, also known as the “winter booster,” is scheduled to begin on April 4, coinciding with this year’s flu vaccination program.

Here’s what you need to know about the winter booster.

Who is eligible for a “winter booster shot”?

According to The Australian Technical Advisory Group (ATAGI), those eligible for a second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine include:

Senior citizens aged 65 and above

Residents of aged care or disability care facilities

People 16 years of age and older with severely impaired immune function

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over

For most people, this will be the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine after the first dose.

For people with severe immune deficiencies, this could be their fifth shot (their initial program consists of three doses of vaccine, plus a booster, and they have completed four shots).