Thread by @CroakeyNews

A TLDR thread on the press conference today held by Health Minister Mark Butler and CMO Prof Paul Kelly #COVID19 #COVIDAU

COVID case numbers going up around the country, including in aged care

This surge is not any single subvariant of Omicron but a mix of subvariants, including BA4 BA5 XBB and BQ1

The Minister accepted advice from ATAGI that the Omicron vaccine from Pfizer be added to the booster (not primary) doses available for people aged 18 and over.

The Minister accepted advice from ATAGI that the paediatric vaccine from Pfizer for children 6 months to 5 years is made available to who are severely immunocompromised or have other health needs

ATAGI has not recommended a fifth dose or a third booster but anticipate doing so in early 2023 – the Minister has also accepted this advice.

5.5 million Australians eligible for a third dose have not yet had it.

3.2 million Australians aged over 50 have not had their fourth dose

Around 80% of Australians over the age of 75 have had their fourth dose.

Advice is to wear masks in crowded indoor spaces, stay home if unwell, do not mix with others.

People over 70, or over 50 with two risk factors should make a plan with their doctor to get antivirals very quickly in the event that they contract COVID.

Australia has sufficient supply of the next generation ‘bivalent’ Omicron vaccines

The Pfizer bivalent vaccine should be available from the 12 December

Supply issues with antivirals have now been resolved

It is important for people at risk to take these as soon as possible when diagnosed

The government does not see a need for additional restrictions such as mask mandates or mandatory isolation

Federal government COVID-19 funding for hospitals still planned to end on 31st December