The Australian government has approved two new COVID-19 vaccines to target the current strains of the virus circulating through the community.
Both Pfizer and Moderna's monovalent XBB 1.5 vaccines, which have been made to offer protection against the Omicron subvariant, will soon be available for use after getting the green light from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
"These new vaccines will help protect Australians against current strains of COVID-19 and demonstrate the government's ongoing commitment to provide access to the latest and most effective vaccines," Health Minister Mark Butler said.
"Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19, particularly for older adults and those who are immunocompromised.
"While we are no longer in the emergency phase of this pandemic, COVID-19 is still present, and people should continue to follow the advice of the experts from ATAGI, including getting vaccines as required."
The Pfizer jab will be available for anyone aged five or over, while Moderna has been approved for people aged 12 and older.
The latest COVID-19 strain spreading across the world
Both were approved for use in the United States in September last year.
There has been no change to Australia's vaccine eligibility recommendations, and the existing bivalent vaccines will continue to be available.
"All available COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide strong protection against serious disease," the health department said in a statement.
"The new XBB 1.5 vaccines have been found to provide modest improved protection against the COVID-19 strains circulating in the community...
"The new vaccine is a good reminder for people to get vaccinated if they haven't had their recommended dose(s) in 2023.
"For people who have had their 2023 COVID-19 vaccination(s) they do not need to get vaccinated again and remain well protected against severe disease from COVID-19."
The approval for the new jabs as a new wave of the virus spreads around the country.
NSW health authorities said last week cases were rising and community transmission was at "moderate to high" levels, while Queensland CHO John Gerrard said more than 200 people had been hospitalised with the virus in four weeks.
However, he also said waves were getting less severe.
