Could anticipatory deprescribing allow better COVID treatment? Despite being more effective according to some studies, Paxlovid prescriptions lag Lagevrio, with drug–drug interactions likely to play a part.
What doctors think about antidepressants and the ‘serotonin theory’ Two GPs and two psychiatrists provide reactions from the mental health coalface to a new systematic umbrella review that questions the role ‘chemical imbalance’ plays in depression.
Taskforce prepares to tackle Medicare failings Members of a new taskforce are preparing to gather to address one of the biggest issues facing Australia’s health system: fixing Medicare.
DoH clarifies that expanded 80/20 rule now in place The RACGP has received confirmation that the 80/20 rule was extended to telehealth services on 1 July, despite having previously understood that it would be deferred until October.
GPs say systemic Medicare issues impact provision of mental health care The MBS structure suggests that GP time spent on mental health is worth less than other areas of medicine, a comprehensive new survey indicates.
Supply issues flagged as TGA provisionally approves Moderna for under-fives The Federal Health Minister has urged parents to delay booking COVID vaccine appointments for their very young children.
Global immunisation coverage in biggest dip for 30 years Australia largely seems to have bucked the international trend, but immunisation experts warn the country has not dodged the impact altogether.
BA.5 confirmed as dominant strain in Australia The latest Omicron variant has overtaken BA.2 and now accounts for roughly half of all current cases across the country.
Extra 7.4 million eligible for fourth COVID shot ATAGI recommends that everyone aged 50–64 should get a second booster, while those between 30–49 may also receive a fourth dose.
New diabetes medication shortage will impact patient care The semaglutide shortage is having a flow on effect, with dulaglutide now also in short supply until at least the end of August.