Big fluctuations in PBS antiviral use by state The ability to issue life-saving COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments via the PBS may have so far largely depended on where prescribers work.
Burden of COVID and dementia set to grow: AIHW report Life expectancy for boys is increasing faster than for girls, as the true impact of the pandemic shows in the national agency’s latest health assessment.
‘Shocking’: Migrants more than twice as likely to die of COVID-19 The burden of the pandemic hugely and disproportionately lies among those born overseas, official ABS figures show.
‘For some, it’s been too much’: COVID’s impact on aged care As the unwelcome milestone of 10,000 COVID deaths passes, GPs involved in the aged care response talk about the impact and what lies ahead.
‘Very disappointing’: UTI pharmacy prescribing pilot extended indefinitely The Queensland UTI prescription pilot will carry on despite extensive concerns raised by doctors’ groups, including the RACGP.
Is childhood bronchitis a marker of lung problems in later life? Research suggests there is ‘no clear link’ that the condition persists into middle age, but there may be other concerns.
Concerns over vulnerable patients missing COVID-19 oral antivirals Patients in some areas are reportedly struggling to access treatments on the PBS in a timely way, even with a prescription.
Second application pending for under-fives COVID vaccine Pfizer has been told it can apply for its Comirnaty vaccine to be used to immunise children under five in Australia.
‘Large potential burden’: Long COVID warning for GPs The number of patients with lingering symptoms will almost certainly rise, with one expert calling it a ‘very significant’ public health challenge.
Diagnosis delays lead to PCR test push Vulnerable patients with symptoms should get the more sensitive test to allow treatment to be fast-tracked, says deputy CMO.