Vaccine Milestone Hit

Another vaccination milestone has been passed with 80 percent of 12–15-year-olds now fully vaccinated.

Currently the age group is not eligible for a booster shot, however the Australian Technical Advisory Group is considering data from Pfizer to allow a third dose.

Data on epidemiology, serious illness and its use in the age group overseas is being reviewed by an expert panel.

Meanwhile, First Nations people over 50, people over 60, those in aged and disability care, as well as people who are immunocompromised, will be among the groups able to receive their fourth dose.

Earlier this week, the federal government outlined $6 billion in the 2022/23 budget for winter preparedness to deal with the combined threat of COVID-19 and the flu.