New COVID-19 vaccines targeting the latest Omicron variant of the virus are available in community pharmacies throughout Australia.

The XBB 1.5 shots were approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in October and can be used as a primary immunisation dosage as well a booster.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Trent Twomey said the vaccine available from Monday was targeted at the strain of the virus that is circulating across the country.

“With COVID-19 cases on the rise, it is important anyone who is due for their vaccination does so as soon as they can at their local community pharmacy,” Twomey said.

“Health authorities have recommended vaccines move away from formulations which target the original or ancestral strain.”

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends anyone not due for vaccination could do without the new shot as an additional booster.

“The advice remains that you must wait six months from your last jab to get your next booster shot and older vaccinations still provide protection against the severest of symptoms,” Twomey said.

The vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna.

Pfizer has two formulations with one for patients aged 5-12, and one for those 12 or older. The Moderna shot is for patients 12 and older.