(Australian Broadcasting Network video screenshot)
[Australian Network Compiled Report] As Australia’s new new crown (Covid-19) vaccination policy takes effect from Monday (11th), thousands of eligible Australians have been vaccinated across the country People across Australia are queuing up to get vaccinated. In addition, the scope of access to anti-coronavirus drugs will also be expanded from the 11th.
7.4 million Australians can receive the fourth dose, and vaccination centers are overwhelmed
The Australian reported that with the latest vaccination policy in Australia taking effect, an additional 7.4 million Australians can receive the fourth dose of the new crown vaccine starting from the 11th . Bookings for vaccinations are filling up quickly and general practitioner (GP) reception desks are struggling to cope with demand. The latest recommendations on vaccination have also increased the number of vaccination bookings for Australians who have postponed their third dose.
According to Bruce Willett, deputy president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, most Australians eager to get vaccinated this week are between the ages of 50 and 65. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI) recommends a second booster immunization for this age group. "We've seen this pattern before, where a younger generation is very motivated to get vaccinated and take action immediately," said Willett, a GP in Brisbane.
According to him, the serious warning about the new wave of Omicron (Omicron) mutant strain BA.5, as well as the concern about booster vaccination, even stimulated Australians who have not yet received the third booster shot to get vaccinated.
While there are also a large number of Australians aged 30 to 40 coming forward to book their fourth dose, Willett does not expect this to become mainstream because ATAGI has said that it is not yet certain for this age group due to the low risk of severe disease. The net benefit to the population is the fourth dose of vaccine, and the impact of vaccination in this age group on reducing overall infections is likely to be limited.
The scope of use of antiviral drugs has been expanded. Elderly people over 70 years old can apply.
In addition, starting from Monday (11th), the scope of use of antiviral drugs in Australia will also be expanded. Australians who are confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 since the age of 70 can obtain anti-COVID-19 drugs through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme).
SBS reports that access to antiviral drugs will also be expanded to people over 50 with two or more risk factors for severe disease, and Aboriginal or Torres Strait people over 30 with two or more risk factors for severe disease. islanders. People 18 years or older who are immunocompromised are also eligible to receive these drugs.
Australian Health Minister Mark Butler said this measure is aimed at improving resistance to the virus. "We will do everything we can to ensure we get through this winter safely." Barratt said, "Two shots (vaccine) are not enough to protect you from the Omicron variant. There are still Australians who have not received the second shot. Then comes the crucial third dose. "
It is understood that the two anti-coronavirus drugs in the Drug Benefit Scheme are Lagevrio and Paxlovid, and their prices are usually more than 1,000 Australian dollars. But from Monday (11th), concession card holders will pay a price of A$6.80, while others will pay a price of about A$40. (Compiled by Noy)
Editor: Wang Fan
