Having a COVID-19 vaccine after its expiry date does not cause harm. However, an expired vaccine may be less effective in protecting against severe illness from COVID-19 and individuals should consider an additional dose.

The Department of Health is working with the Yolla Community Pharmacy to contact individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine at the pharmacy between August 2021 to August 2023 to advise them of the best course of action.

Letters are being sent to people in early January. People who received a COVID-19 vaccine at Yolla Community Pharmacy are encouraged to speak with a vaccination provider to discuss revaccination advice. Those with immunocompromise are encouraged to see their doctor. 

Whether further doses are needed will depend on age and health, with recommendations outlined below. However, it is important to remember the current advice for most adults to have at least one 2023 COVID-19 booster, especially older adults or those with risk factors for serious illness.

If anyone believes they received a COVID-19 vaccine at Yolla Community Pharmacy and does not receive a letter in early January, please call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 and press the option for ‘Immunisation’ to speak to a specialist immunisation nurse.

Vaccination advice:

• If your most recent COVID-19 vaccine was not at Yolla Community Pharmacy, no further action is needed. You should continue to keep up to date with COVID-19 vaccine advice relevant to your age and health. 

If your most recent COVID-19 vaccine was at Yolla Community Pharmacy, it may not have been effective. If it has been more than six months since your last COVID-19 infection and you are:

• 65 years or older – get a booster
• 18 to 64 years 
  • with risk factors for serious COVID-19 infection – get a booster 
  • with no risk factors – consider getting a booster 
  • 5 to 17 years 
    • with risk factors for serious COVID-19 infection – get a booster
    • with no risk factors – no action is needed. However, you are encouraged to keep up to date with COVID-19 vaccine advice.
  • Any age and immunocompromised: 
    • discuss this letter with your usual doctor. You should have an individual risk-benefit assessment to determine further doses needed.

Additional information regarding COVID-19 vaccination:  

https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines  

https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/covid-19

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19/vaccinations