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A recent poll shows many Australians over 50 are hesitant to get vaccinated, particularly with the AstraZeneca vaccine earmarked for them. (Image: AAP)

Over-50s can now get their COVID vaccine: What do they need to know?

Amid reports of blood clots and increasing vaccine hesitancy, patients will likely have questions as the next phase of the rollout gets underway.

More than 48,000 adverse events have been reported from the approximately 13.7 million vaccine doses administered in Australia. (Image: AAP)

Eleven blood clot cases linked to AstraZeneca in past week

There were no deaths associated with the vaccine, but six thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome cases remain in hospital.

One in six Australians say they will never get vaccinated against COVID-19, an increase from March. (Image: AAP)

Growing number of Australians reject COVID vaccination

Vaccine hesitancy has soared since recommendations shifted from AstraZeneca to Pfizer for under-50s.

It’s projected that up to 1.2 million AstraZeneca, 1.3 million Pfizer and 125,000 Moderna doses will be distributed weekly from September. (Image: AAP)

Vaccine targets for over-60s called out as ‘ambitious’

A new plan suggests those eligible for AstraZeneca will be vaccinated by October. But how realistic is that goal, and what would GPs need to help reach that target?

ATAGI has recommended that patients under 60 living in outbreak areas re-assess whether or not they should now receive the AstraZeneca vaccine due to changes in the risk–benefit equation. (Image: AAP)

ATAGI recommends shortened interval between AstraZeneca doses during ‘significant’ outbreaks

In its latest update, the advisory group has said people in COVID hotspots such as Greater Sydney should have their second dose within 4–8 weeks to help combat worsening outbreaks.

Collecting respiratory specimens, such as nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs, is a ‘low-risk procedure’ and can be performed using contact and droplet precautions, including surgical masks.

Confusion over updated coronavirus mask advice

Some authorities say surgical masks are safe to use for swabs in ‘mild cases’, but that appears to contradict other recommendations.

The recommended dose interval for AstraZeneca is now six weeks, in line with the recommendation for Pfizer. (Image: AAP)

Victoria reduces interval for vaccine doses

Authorities have recommended the time between AstraZeneca doses be reduced to six weeks as the state races to contain a worsening COVID outbreak.

New research has suggested mixing COVID vaccines could induce a stronger immune response than two doses of the same candidate. (Image: AAP)

Mixing COVID vaccines could result in stronger immune response

New research suggests mixing one dose of AstraZeneca with either Pfizer or Moderna could be beneficial. Is it something Australia should consider?

Fewer than one in a million AstraZeneca doses have led to deaths in Australia. (Image: AAP)

Two more AstraZeneca-linked deaths in past week: TGA

The latest fatalities mean Australia has now recorded nine deaths linked to the vaccine, compared to more than 1000 COVID deaths.

Jessica Khachan shares her experiences with codeine addiction.

One of the many faces of codeine addiction

Jessica Khachan lives in Sydney with her husband and two kids, who are 14 and 12, in what she describes as ‘a normal suburban household’. She is also one of the increasing number of Australians with a history of codeine addiction.