Novavax recommended as COVID booster
Australia's immunisation authority has recommended Novavax be used as a COVID-19 booster dose where mRNA vaccines are not available.
Health
Aged care groups welcome dual jab plan
Peak bodies for aged care have welcomed the possibility of residents receiving a fourth COVID-19 vaccine and flu jab at the same time, ahead of winter.
SA warning over mosquito-borne diseases
South Australia health officials have urged people to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes amid concern over a recent spate of hospitalisations.
Virus vaccine milestone for Aussie kids
More than half of Australia's five to 11-year-olds have received their first COVID-19 vaccine.
Mask removal to boost recovery of cities
The NSW premier says the removal of masks in eastern states will help spur economic activity - because when Sydney goes well, so does the country, he says.
Japanese encephalitis warning for Victoria
Victoria's chief health officer is warning of the risk of Japanese encephalitis, with evidence of the virus found in animals in Victoria, NSW and Queensland.
New COVID-19 prevention treatment approved
The medical regulator has approved a new COVID-19 treatment option for people who are medically unable to get the vaccine.
Australians hesitant on booster uptake
A new survey conducted by the Australian National University has found the number of people who say they will get a booster has declined in the past few months.
Clive Palmer leaves hospital after test
Businessman and aspiring comeback politician Clive Palmer, who has been ill for days, has left hospital where he was taken by ambulance for a COVID-19 test.
Vic scorns fed govt call for kids vax push
The federal government's call for Victoria to launch a COVID-19 vaccination program in schools to lift rates has prompted backlash from Premier Daniel Andrews.
Pharmacists call for more vaccine support
The pharmacy peak body has called for greater financial remuneration to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine, as the Moderna rollout for children begins.
New COVID-19 cases in WA surge by 643
Western Australia's Omicron case numbers have more than doubled overnight, with 643 new local infections and five people in hospital.
WA faces ‘half a million’ Omicron cases
Long-awaited health department modelling suggests Western Australia will record almost 500,000 Omicron cases in the next six months.
Star loses appeal for pandemic loss payout
Star Entertainment Group has lost an appeal over a decision denying it compensation by its insurer for losses suffered during the coronavirus pandemic.
First tourists touch down after two years
Australia's international borders have reopened to tourists for the first time in two years, sparking happy scenes at airports across the country.
Tourists coming back as borders open: PM
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is urging international tourists to return to Australia with the nation's borders due to open on Monday.
Joy as virus restrictions ease, for now
Victoria has recorded 20 COVID-19 deaths and NSW 12 as residents in those states and the ACT enjoy greater freedoms after many restrictions were scrapped.
NSW easing raft of COVID-19 restrictions
Singing and dancing will be allowed at all NSW venues from Friday, except music festivals, as COVID-19 restrictions are eased in over a week.
Masks remain as Vic scraps density limits
Victoria's hospitality density quotas and some QR check-ins will be scrapped on Friday, but mask rules will stay, as the state begins moving "back to normal".
Colbeck defends aged care COVID death toll
More people have died in aged care so far this year from COVID-19 than in all of 2020, but Richard Colbeck has rebuffed calls to resign from his ministry.
A long weekend, every week? Embracing the four day work life balance
For most Australians working a standard full-time job – a little more than seven hours a day, Monday to Friday – moving to a four-day work week could occur in two stages.
Elderly to get a break amid vaccine demos
The federal government is allowing at least one visitor a day in aged care facilities hit by COVID-19 but it remains the target of anti-vaccine protesters' ire.
Doctors launch hospital funding campaign
The Australian Medical Association has launched a campaign calling for more public hospital funding, putting pressure on politicians in an election year.
Vaccine protesters given eviction deadline
Large numbers of anti-vaxx protesters have been given until Sunday to clear a campsite where they were staying for more than a week.
Don’t heat your RAT and 14 other tips for home COVID tests
Here are 15 pitfalls to avoid if you want to get the most out of your Rapid Antigen Test.
Vic won’t water down COVID check-in rules
Check-in requirements at Victorian venues that don't require proof of COVID-19 vaccination will remain in place despite Queensland ditching them.
Researchers find ‘acne genes’, cancer link
Researchers have discovered genes that appear to increase a person's risk of developing acne and confirmed a link between the skin disorder and hormonal cancer.
Vaccine protesters admitted to parliament
Federal MP Craig Kelly has allowed a small group of anti-vaccination protesters inside Parliament House as demonstrations continue outside.
Defence force to help aged care sector
Members of the Australian Defence Force will be deployed to help assist aged care facilities as they deal with COVID-19 surges.
Deportation for man disabled in detention
Ritesh Naikar says he doesn't know how he'll survive if he's deported to Fiji after a fall in immigration detention left him with a spinal injury.
Australia reaches 95pct vaccination target
Some 95 per cent of Australians have been vaccinated against COVID-19, with the country now boasting one of the world's highest jab rates.