XEC: The newest COVID-19 variant to hit Australia The omicron subvariant has been reported across the world, but now, it has been detected in Australia too – here is what the experts know.
How is Eris different from other Omicron variants? Recently classified as a ‘variant of interest’ by the WHO, EG.5.1 has been circulating in Australia since April.
Another COVID winter is coming. Is this the calm before another peak? With winter looming, it’s worth taking stock of where we are with COVID and what we might expect, writes Professor Catherine Bennett.
Updating COVID-19 vaccines ‘on the agenda’, but not sustainable Many Australians were recently recommended a fifth dose – but vaccination fatigue has researchers looking for longer term solutions.
‘The virus has evolved’: Fifth COVID dose available soon Adults will become eligible for a fifth dose from 20 February, supported by a new incentive for GPs attending aged care and disability facilities.
New variants expected to supplant BA.5 in Australia Both XBB and BQ.1 possess a growth advantage over previous COVID strains, but there is no evidence to suggest either variant is more severe.
What do bivalent vaccines mean for Australia’s rollout? The first doses of Moderna’s variant-specific COVID vaccine became available this week, offering a slight advantage over previous versions.
How can we encourage COVID booster uptake? Millions of Australians still have not had a third dose. Associate Professor Holly Seale and Jessica Kaufman investigate what might convince them.
TGA approves Omicron-specific vaccine The ‘bivalent’ COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Moderna, has been given the go-ahead by the Australian medicines regulator.
First country approves Moderna vaccine targeting Omicron The approval comes in the same week that Monash University was selected to house the first mRNA production facility in the Southern Hemisphere.