Vaccination gap: Vulnerable communities left exposed as Omicron threatens Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander COVID vaccination rates continue to lag the general population, with some areas still less than 50% fully vaccinated.
Ministers told ‘overwhelmed’ GPs need help Pressure from two major vaccine rollouts, the surge in Omicron cases, and ongoing community care is threatening the short-term viability of general practice.
In Practice: Valuable information for RACGP members The first edition for 2022 contains professional and clinical information directly relevant to general practice.
More research suggests link between air pollution and COVID risk A new study has added to existing evidence associating air pollution with increased risk of COVID-19 infection.
PBAC delays restricting GP prescribing of antipsychotics in aged care The committee heeded RACGP calls to not implement the recommendation, which was made last year following the aged care royal commission.
RACGP says changes to children’s vaccine rollout are urgently needed Widespread reports of practices not receiving enough doses – or in some cases none at all – are just one issue highlighted by the college.
Demand soars for mental health support among healthcare workers An online e-health hub for health professionals says the number of users accessing help has surged alongside Omicron cases.
Will vaccine supply issues delay the return to school and impact kids’ mental health? As they did in the early stages of Australia’s rollout, GPs are again warning there are not enough doses to meet demand ahead of 5–11s getting vaccinated.
TGA releases updated COVID booster safety data Swollen lymph nodes have been the most commonly reported adverse effect to emerge from Australia’s booster program.
GPs ‘crying out’ for clear clinical COVID pathways The unprecedented rise in case numbers has left GPs worried about what could be a ‘confronting couple of months’.