Key Points
- Five million eligible Australians are yet to take their booster dose
- TGA updates the list of RATs that detect new COVID variants
- Health Minister is yet to receive advice on ending COVID-19 isolation
On Friday, Australia reported at least 82 COVID-19 deaths, including 34 in Victoria, 29 in New South Wales and eight in Queensland.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) reiterated that it does not recommend a booster dose for all adolescents aged 12-15.
It said there was insufficient evidence of severe disease in healthy adolescents in this age group provided they have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
However, a booster dose is available for children who are severely immunocompromised and have a disability with significant or complex health needs.
Health Minister Mark Butler told ABC Radio that actual coronavirus infections may have been double the reported numbers.
The health minister said he was worried about the low uptake of the third vaccine dose (first booster).
He said five million eligible people are still to roll up their sleeves for the third dose, and it had been more than six months since they took their second dose.
Mr Butler said the virus is not going away and he has not received any advice from the chief health officer or other experts on ending or reducing the COVID-19 isolation period.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has updated the of RAT kits that are WHO compliant and can detect new subvariants.
The US has declared monkeypox (MPX) a public health emergency following 6,600 cases in the country.
Australia has detected at least 58 MPX cases, with Western Australia reporting its first case in a returned traveller on Thursday.
All Tasmanians can now get their free flu vaccination until 31 August.
On Saturday, from 10 am to 4.30 pm, South Australians can get their COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses at Aldinga Beach Primary School, Greenwith Primary School, Flagstaff Hill Primary School, John Hartley School B-6 and Glen Osmond Primary School.
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