The Moderna vaccine has also been approved to be used as a booster dose by the Federal Government.
Data has shown waning immunity to Omicron from two jabs, and the government has encouraged boosters for people with underlying health conditions, those aged 50 or older, and people living in aged care and disability accommodation.
High-risk workers such as nurses, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are also encouraged to get boosters where eligible.
At this stage boosters are only available to people aged 18 years and over.
Third doses are not required for people to be considered “fully vaccinated” for the purpose of employment, travel or entry to businesses.
The changes mean people who received their second dose in June are now eligible for the booster, which will be available at pharmacies, health clinics and walk-in hubs such as Shepparton’s McIntosh Centre.
Research is ongoing into the Omicron variant, in particular how effective vaccines are against the new strain.
Data suggests Omicron is just as contagious as the previous Delta variant, but it is still uncertain exactly how effective current vaccines are against it.
Meanwhile, the Queensland border opened to Victoria, NSW and the ACT on Monday morning for the first time in months.
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