COVID-19 vaccine boosters likely to start next month

More vulnerable Australians will get booster vaccines from November 8, should the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommend a third dose.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd revealed the key date Australia should begin rolling out more doses of a third COVID-19 booster shot.

Professor Kidd said it's likely the vaccines will be made available to the immunocompromised and those in healthcare and aged-care homes first.

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Professor Kidd said the TGA and ATAGI are currently considering wider booster doses for all double-vaccinated citizens.

"This is being considered once six months has passed, since you've receive your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine," he said.

"I should emphasise, if you've had two doses, you are fully vaccinated and very well protected against becoming severely unwell.

"There is little evidence that protection against severe disease wanes over time in those who are double vaccinated."

He encouraged Australians to get a third jab once they're eligible.

Professor Kidd branded the national vaccine rollout as an "undoubted success", revealing more than 86.4 per cent of Australians 16 and over have now received one dose.

A total of 72.5 per cent of people are fully vaccinated.

Professor Kidd urged Australians to continue coming forward for the jab.

"Despite the undoubted success of the national vaccine program the job is not yet done," he said.

"This is not a time to become complacent.

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"If you have not yet received your COVID-19 vaccine, please arrange to do so."

Third shots of COVID-19 vaccines are already being given to Victorians with weakened immune systems, with a broader booster vaccination program is expected to be rolled out in coming weeks.