COVID rate at least double official figures: Antibody study At least 17% of Australians may have contracted COVID-19 during the first Omicron wave, new research suggests – and the true figure could be even higher.
‘A real public health risk’: Study cites mobile phones as ‘Trojan horse’ in infection control Using swabs and DNA extraction, new research claims to have uncovered the fullest picture yet of the microbes found on mobile phones, with big implications for healthcare workers.
‘Major problem’: Winter COVID-19 vaccine doses under scrutiny Aged care facilities are being pushed to give all eligible residents a vaccine before the end of June, the Department of Health has confirmed.
Trial shows muted impact of Paxlovid on healthier patients New data confirms limited efficacy for those at ‘standard risk’, with more positive results for higher risk cohorts.
The doctors going back to secondary school A state-funded program aims to improve access to primary care for students. One GP taking part talks to newsGP about the experience.
‘Significant’ drop in MIS-C risk under Omicron: study Vaccination also looks to be confirmed as a factor in reducing the risk of complications in children after COVID-19 infection, according to new research.
‘Really encouraging’ first RACGP meeting with new health minister A group from the college has visited the incoming Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler as he gets his feet under a new desk in Canberra.
Pandemic prompts massive spike in My Health Record use Immunisation details and PCR results have raised the database’s profile, but queries remain about its reliability and usage among general practices.
Free flu vaccinations: Everything GPs need to know Universally free flu vaccines are now available – in theory at least – across all Australian states. Here, newsGP sums up the latest details.
First real-world studies on COVID-19 oral antivirals emerge Pre-print studies are beginning to flesh out understanding of efficacy, suggesting Paxlovid may have a greater impact – particularly on at-risk older people.