Australia's expert vaccination panel may soon tick off on a major expansion to the country's coronavirus vaccination program, paving the way for third doses to be administered. Yesterday, the medicines regulator the TGA approved Pfizer for use as a third dose - sometimes referred to as a booster - for Australians aged 18 or over after six months after their second dose. But despite the third dose boosting immunity, the Federal Government says they won't require it to be considered fully vaccinat...
Oct 27, 2021•10 min
Australia's expert vaccination panel may soon tick off on a major expansion to the country's coronavirus vaccination program, paving the way for third doses to be administered. Yesterday, the medicines regulator the TGA approved Pfizer for use as a third dose - sometimes referred to as a booster - for Australians aged 18 or over after six months after their second dose. But despite the third dose boosting immunity, the Federal Government says they won't require it to be considered fully vaccinat...
Oct 27, 2021•10 min
One of the big unknowns with coronavirus is why some people are left with symptoms from the illness long after they test negative. It's known as long COVID, and studies overseas suggest it affects more than half of people who get COVID to varying degrees of severity. So now we're nearly two years into the coronavirus pandemic, have we learnt more about long-COVID and what type of symptoms seem to be most common? And because Australia has been fortunate enough to get to high levels of vaccination...
Oct 26, 2021•10 min
One of the big unknowns with coronavirus is why some people are left with symptoms from the illness long after they test negative. It's known as long COVID, and studies overseas suggest it affects more than half of people who get COVID to varying degrees of severity. So now we're nearly two years into the coronavirus pandemic, have we learnt more about long-COVID and what type of symptoms seem to be most common? And because Australia has been fortunate enough to get to high levels of vaccination...
Oct 26, 2021•10 min
As more states open their borders in coming months, more COVID than ever will be circulating through the community. Vaccines will help protect many of us, but for vulnerable people - like the elderly or immunocompromised - additional protections may be needed. So if you have someone close that is more vulnerable to severe disease from a COVID-19 infection, what are some of the things you can do to help reduce the risk? Also on today's show: * 2nd generation vaccines vs natural immunity * Will my...
Oct 25, 2021•9 min
As more and more of the country is vaccinated, state and territory governments are starting to outline which restrictions we will lose when we reach very high levels of coverage. Over the weekend, Victoria revealed that when it reaches 90 per cent double dose in a month there will be no density caps, and masks will only be mandatory at certain high-risk settings. But how do we know when is the right time to lift restrictions and what can we learn from countries that have been this way before? Al...
Oct 24, 2021•12 min
As more and more of the country is vaccinated, state and territory governments are starting to outline which restrictions we will lose when we reach very high levels of coverage. Over the weekend, Victoria revealed that when it reaches 90 per cent double dose in a month there will be no density caps, and masks will only be mandatory at certain high-risk settings. But how do we know when is the right time to lift restrictions and what can we learn from countries that have been this way before? Al...
Oct 24, 2021•12 min
There's been all sorts of vaccination targets bandied about over the last year: 70 per cent, 80 per cent, 16+ eligibility, 12+ eligibility. It never seems to end. But what if - and this might not make you happy because it seems almost impossible at the moment - the real target should be 95 per cent? It's been done overseas: in Portugal and Iceland. So what would it take to do it here and what benefits do you get? Also on today's show: * Vaccine mandates are coming * When will we have a vaccine a...
Oct 21, 2021•11 min
There's been all sorts of vaccination targets bandied about over the last year: 70 per cent, 80 per cent, 16+ eligibility, 12+ eligibility. It never seems to end. But what if - and this might not make you happy because it seems almost impossible at the moment - the real target should be 95 per cent? It's been done overseas: in Portugal and Iceland. So what would it take to do it here and what benefits do you get? Also on today's show: * Vaccine mandates are coming * When will we have a vaccine a...
Oct 21, 2021•11 min
Greater Melbourne will finally come out of lockdown a minute before the strike of midnight tonight, which will be a huge relief to millions of people. But the city comes out of lockdown with high daily caseloads - with the rolling five day average being around 1850. When NSW came out of lockdown, its daily caseload was much lower - and has remained low and is showing no signs of increasing again. So can we expect cases to fall in Melbourne? Rise? Level off? And does reopening with a large caselo...
Oct 20, 2021•11 min
When the various states and territories report their daily vaccination rates as a mix of single and double doses, should they perhaps also be adding in third doses? The COVID-19 vaccines in Australia are currently limited to two doses, but so far only immunocompromised people have been approved to get a third shot. So should that be extended to older people and perhaps healthcare workers who got their vaccine in March or April? On today's Coronacast, all your questions about the third dose inclu...
Oct 19, 2021•12 min
When the various states and territories report their daily vaccination rates as a mix of single and double doses, should they perhaps also be adding in third doses? The COVID-19 vaccines in Australia are currently limited to two doses, but so far only immunocompromised people have been approved to get a third shot. So should that be extended to older people and perhaps healthcare workers who got their vaccine in March or April? On today's Coronacast, all your questions about the third dose inclu...
Oct 19, 2021•12 min
Until now, a lot of the worry about COVID-19 in Australia has been about how zero-COVID states will rejoin NSW, Victoria and the ACT. Well yesterday, Queensland put its plan forward saying that December 17, 2021 is the date its borders will be broadly reopened once again to other states, including hotspots. So with vaccination rates in Queensland lagging, will this be the push some need to go and get the jab? And what might it mean for other zero-COVID states? Also on today's show: * Third doses...
Oct 18, 2021•10 min
Until now, a lot of the worry about COVID-19 in Australia has been about how zero-COVID states will rejoin NSW, Victoria and the ACT. Well yesterday, Queensland put its plan forward saying that December 17, 2021 is the date its borders will be broadly reopened once again to other states, including hotspots. So with vaccination rates in Queensland lagging, will this be the push some need to go and get the jab? And what might it mean for other zero-COVID states? Also on today's show: * Third doses...
Oct 18, 2021•10 min
Victoria's lockdown will end this Thursday night, when the state expects to reach its first vaccine goal of 70 per cent double vaccinated. Reasons to leave the home and the curfew will be lifted, which will be a huge relief to the people of Melbourne which have suffered through many long lockdowns. But it's not as if the pandemic will end this week: many working in the hospital system are in for a rough time as the state opens up. Also on today's show * Mixing and matching boosters * NSW hits 80...
Oct 17, 2021•12 min
The arrival of the Delta variant really was a massive curveball that few experts saw coming. It ripped through populations overseas and quickly punched holes in Fortress Australia. It especially challenged our public health response with its incredible infectiousness and has taken hold in NSW, Victoria and ACT. But how did Delta come into existence in the first place? And as more and more of us are vaccinated, what might come next as the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve? On today's Coronacas...
Oct 14, 2021•16 min
The arrival of the Delta variant really was a massive curveball that few experts saw coming. It ripped through populations overseas and quickly punched holes in Fortress Australia. It especially challenged our public health response with its incredible infectiousness and has taken hold in NSW, Victoria and ACT. But how did Delta come into existence in the first place? And as more and more of us are vaccinated, what might come next as the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve? On today's Coronacas...
Oct 14, 2021•16 min
It's sometimes easy to forget that the COVID-19 pandemic affects more than just physical health. It also taken a massive toll on mental health. And according to some new research, the two pandemic factors that lead to the worst mental health outcomes are rising case numbers and lockdowns. Globally, the most affected groups are young people and women, and poorer countries in particular have seen higher mental health burdens. Also on today's show: * Why do some people get sicker from COVID than ot...
Oct 13, 2021•9 min
It's sometimes easy to forget that the COVID-19 pandemic affects more than just physical health. It also taken a massive toll on mental health. And according to some new research, the two pandemic factors that lead to the worst mental health outcomes are rising case numbers and lockdowns. Globally, the most affected groups are young people and women, and poorer countries in particular have seen higher mental health burdens. Also on today's show: * Why do some people get sicker from COVID than ot...
Oct 13, 2021•9 min
A lot of the discussion about COVID lately has been on the big outbreaks in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, and less about states that don't have current outbreaks. But as states like WA, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory start to plan their border reopenings, it also means COVID will eventually find its way in. So what can the smaller and still COVID free states expect in coming months? Will cases skyrocket in a highly vaccinated population? And will people there have ...
Oct 12, 2021•10 min
A lot of the discussion about COVID lately has been on the big outbreaks in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, and less about states that don't have current outbreaks. But as states like WA, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory start to plan their border reopenings, it also means COVID will eventually find its way in. So what can the smaller and still COVID free states expect in coming months? Will cases skyrocket in a highly vaccinated population? And will people there have ...
Oct 12, 2021•10 min
While COVID-19 is currently in two of Australia's states and the ACT, the reality is eventually it will get everywhere. And eventually, the theory goes, COVID-19 will infect everyone. Vaccination will help stop the vast majority of people getting severe symptoms which may put them in hospital, but there'll always be people who can't or won't be immunised. So does getting COVID-19 after being vaccinated help with longer term immunity? And therefore if you're fully vaccinated, is it worth trying t...
Oct 11, 2021•9 min
While COVID-19 is currently in two of Australia's states and the ACT, the reality is eventually it will get everywhere. And eventually, the theory goes, COVID-19 will infect everyone. Vaccination will help stop the vast majority of people getting severe symptoms which may put them in hospital, but there'll always be people who can't or won't be immunised. So does getting COVID-19 after being vaccinated help with longer term immunity? And therefore if you're fully vaccinated, is it worth trying t...
Oct 11, 2021•9 min
Many restrictions are being lifted in NSW today, after the state last week hit the 70 percent double vaccination target. For many, it's a time to reconnect with loved ones and start to live life once again - this time in a more COVID-normal way. But for others, the reopening is both exciting and a bit nerve wracking - as people take time to re-adjust. Also on today's show: * I'm worried about my kids going back to school * What's going on with Moderna and myocarditis/pericarditis in young men?...
Oct 10, 2021•11 min
Many restrictions are being lifted in NSW today, after the state last week hit the 70 percent double vaccination target. For many, it's a time to reconnect with loved ones and start to live life once again - this time in a more COVID-normal way. But for others, the reopening is both exciting and a bit nerve wracking - as people take time to re-adjust. Also on today's show: * I'm worried about my kids going back to school * What's going on with Moderna and myocarditis/pericarditis in young men?...
Oct 10, 2021•11 min
NSW will take its first step out of lockdown on Monday, and it'll be slightly bigger than expected. The state's new Premier has made some small changes in relation to what fully vaccinated people will be able to do in just a few days. So what can we expect to case numbers, vaccination rates, hospitalisation and ICU admissions? And what about the rest of the country - like Victoria and ACT - which will be taking the same steps as NSW in coming weeks and months? On today's Coronacast, a very speci...
Oct 07, 2021•15 min
NSW will take its first step out of lockdown on Monday, and it'll be slightly bigger than expected. The state's new Premier has made some small changes in relation to what fully vaccinated people will be able to do in just a few days. So what can we expect to case numbers, vaccination rates, hospitalisation and ICU admissions? And what about the rest of the country - like Victoria and ACT - which will be taking the same steps as NSW in coming weeks and months? On today's Coronacast, a very speci...
Oct 07, 2021•15 min
As case numbers continue to decline in NSW and the date for opening up gets closer, the state has started to provide details on how isolation requirements for close contacts might work for the vaccinated. For vaccinated people, isolation after close contact will be halved if you're vaccinated - though movement restrictions may still apply. It's just one of many changes coming for people in NSW and Victoria - and likely other states in coming months - as more risk tolerant ,COVID-normal policies ...
Oct 06, 2021•12 min
Victoria posted a new national record for new COVID cases day yesterday, with 1763 cases. There have been a number of worrying big days recently, and there are few signs that the outbreak is slowing down in any meaningful way. So what could be going on, especially considering vaccination levels in Victoria are now higher than they were in NSW when that state hit its peak several weeks ago. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Kids and schools and ventilation * I know this could ...
Oct 05, 2021•10 min
Victoria posted a new national record for new COVID cases day yesterday, with 1763 cases. There have been a number of worrying big days recently, and there are few signs that the outbreak is slowing down in any meaningful way. So what could be going on, especially considering vaccination levels in Victoria are now higher than they were in NSW when that state hit its peak several weeks ago. That's on today's Coronacast. Also on today's show: * Kids and schools and ventilation * I know this could ...
Oct 05, 2021•10 min
