WA workers covered by COVID-19 vaccine mandate now required to get third dose

Western Australian workers who come under the existing vaccine mandate will now be required to have a third booster dose.

Premier Mark McGowan on Wednesday announced all relevant employees must receive a third dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine within one month of becoming eligible.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is set to make a decision on timeframes in coming days, currently it is five months between the second and third dose. 

“The emergence of Omicron throughout the world and on the east coast is extremely concerning - case numbers are sky-rocketing as are the number of people in hospital," Premier Mark McGowan said.

“The latest research shows that a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine has the potential to raise your protection against Omicron to more than 86 per cent against symptomatic disease and more than 98 per cent against severe infection.” 

Western Australians can receive their third vaccine, either Pfizer or Moderna, at State-run clinics without the need to book an appointment however people with an appointment will be prioritised.