2024’s top general practice stories

As 2024 comes to an end, newsGP counts down the top 10 stories published this year.
 
10. NSW and Qld announce free infant RSV vaccines
The RACGP has welcomed the ‘game changing’ initiatives, with cases of the potentially deadly virus surging compared to previous years.
Published: 25 March
 
9. PBS restrictions placed on diabetes medicines
GPs now need to gain additional approval prior to starting patients on all GLP-1 RAs, including semaglutide.
Published: 3 June
 
8. How long does immunity last after a COVID infection?
Dr Lara Herrero and Wesley Freppel assess the latest evidence, including the impact vaccination and emerging variants can have.
Published: 24 January
 
7. Tongue cancer diagnoses on the rise
Rates have spiked in cohorts not traditionally at risk of the cancer, especially younger women with no history of smoking or heavy drinking.
Published: 19 January
 
6. What do GPs need to know about ‘walking’ pneumonia?
With a current ‘soup’ of respiratory infections coupled with antibiotic shortages, an epidemiologist outlines basic advice for GPs.
Published: 12 July
 
5. What are the most reliable rapid antigen tests?
A new study has analysed 26 RATs from Australia and Canada, finding only six could effectively detect the lowest concentrations of COVID-19.
Published: 6 May
 
4. ‘I couldn’t walk’: GP’s personal story of vitamin B6 toxicity
Found in listed medicines, energy drinks, cereals and weight loss shakes, some people are consuming more than 50x the recommended daily intake.
Published: 10 April
 
3. What is Ryeqo?
While the medicine has already been available in Australia since 2022, it was recently approved for the treatment of endometriosis.
Published: 27 February
 
2. Mounjaro expanded to include weight management
The TGA has approved tirzepatide for the treatment of overweight and obesity for those with comorbidities, via private prescription.
Published: 11 September
 
1. Wegovy launches in Australia
The manufacturer assured GPs supply planning has been its priority amid critical Ozempic shortages, but concerns remain over Wegovy’s availability.
Published: 2 August
 
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cancer COVID-19 MBS Mounjaro RSV semaglutide vitamin B toxicity Wegovy