GPs crucial to fighting future pandemics: RACGP The college is calling for recognition of GPs as frontline workers if a pandemic hits, while pleading with leaders to ‘cut us some slack’.
‘Concerning’ decline in child vaccination coverage The reasons behind the downward trend, which has been seen since the pandemic began, need to be closely monitored according to immunisation experts.
Interest spikes as new COVID-19 vaccines land Supplies are due to arrive in general practices this week, with GPs seeing a significant upturn in patients wishing to get boosted.
New COVID-19 vaccines to be ‘preferred’ option The vaccines, which target the XBB.1.5 Omicron variant, were approved by the TGA and will be available in Australia from next month.
Free flu vaccinations for Queenslanders in 2024 Every resident in the state older than six months will be eligible next year, and the RACGP has called on other states to follow suit.
Free shingles vaccine rollout hits day-one roadblock Supply shortages are forcing eligible patients onto lengthening waitlists, but the DoH has said there is ‘no urgency’ as the program is ‘ongoing’.
Proof whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy saves lives New research has revealed babies born to mothers vaccinated against pertussis are 70% less likely to suffer the potentially fatal infection.
Government rolls out free shingles vaccine Five million older and vulnerable Australians will have access to the new, and more effective, Shingrix vaccine from next month.
Government launches COVID-19 inquiry The RACGP will contribute to a review of the pandemic response, which will scrutinise how the crisis was handled and help prepare for future events.
In Practice: Wound awareness Hard-to-heal wounds cost Australia $6.6 billion each year, but medical professionals can reaffirm best practice via a series of free webinars.