Aust COVID-19 death toll surpasses 10,200
Australia's COVID-19 death toll has soared beyond 10,200 as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urges people to seek a fourth vaccine dose.
health
Millions to get access to COVID treatments
Potentially lifesaving COVID-19 antiviral treatments are to be made more widely available from Monday, says Health Minister Mark Butler.
Australia ‘beyond’ mask mandates, lockdown
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says Australians must make their own COVID-19 choices as experts back a decision to expand access to a fourth vaccine dose.
COVID-19 health toll exposed in new report
A biennial report into Australia's overall health has laid bare the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on death rates, mental health and vulnerable communities.
WA health workers threaten strike over pay
Public sector workers in Western Australia could walk off the job next month as the state government faces pushback over its wages policy.
Qld urged to prepare for third virus wave
Queensland authorities are urging people to prepare for a third COVID-19 wave saying "it's very likely that either you or someone you know" will be infected.
Gut bacteria breakthrough for IBD patients
Researchers have found five strains of gut bacteria that could be used to develop new treatments for bowel disease.
Funnel web venom could treat heart attacks
Australian researchers are a step closer to starting human trials on a new drug for heart attacks and strokes made using funnel web spider venom.
Health ministers meet as COVID cases rise
Health Minister Mark Butler says the government cannot continue to fund COVID-19 payments and urged people to get their boosters as soon as possible.
Australia nears 10,000 COVID-19 deaths
The country will likely reach the grim milestone on Sunday amid renewed calls for vaccine boosters and possible mask mandates.
High-impact workouts could stem dementia
Short bursts of high-impact training might be the secret to maintaining good brain health, scientists say.
Australian virus border restrictions end
Australia's pandemic death toll has tipped past the grim milestone of 10,000 fatalities, as the country prepares to lift all border restrictions.
Virus vaccine contract review ordered
An urgent review of Australia's pharmaceutical contracts to help the nation best respond to new COVID variants has been ordered by the federal government.
More free flu shots in NSW, Qld, WA, SA
NSW, Queensland and Western Australia have all extended their free influenza vaccination programs, with hospitals inundated with people falling ill.
Push for students to keep vaccinating
Victorian pharmacy students and interns have been an asset through the pandemic and there are calls to allow them to keep bolstering the vaccination workforce.
Booster gives 65pc protection from death
An Australian study of COVID-19 vaccines has found people who have had a booster shot are far less likely to die or be hospitalised with the Omicron variant.
Federal Court strikes out anti-vaxxer case
A Federal Court judge says litigation against the Commonweath, states and NT over lockdown and vaccine mandates was an abuse of process.
Warning as Omicron sub-variant cases surge
Victoria's chief health Officer says a new Omicron sub-variant is on the rise in the state, following surges in other parts of the country.
COVID-19 and Australia’s unlearnt lessons
A new book by a Sydney academic explores the similarities between Australia's response to the Bubonic Plague in 1900 and COVID-19.
Researchers looking for bugs in your food
Scientists are looking to see if insect-based cookies, muesli bars, pastas and - for all the gym bros out there - protein powders set off your bug allergies.
Third virus wave biggest killer: study
An in-hospital mortality study shows more COVID-19 patients were admitted to intensive care and ultimately, more died during Australia's third pandemic wave.
Have COVID plan before positive test: CMO
Australia's chief medical officer has urged Australians at risk of severe disease from COVID-19 to have a treatment plan in case they test positive.
New campaign to target booster uptake
The federal government will roll out a fresh $11 million advertising blitz in an effort to increase Australia's COVID-19 booster rate.
Qld wants more medical student funding
The Queensland government says the Commonwealth should fund more medical student placements so states can grow the nation's health workforce.
NSW poised to unveil big spending budget
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean will unveil his first budget on Tuesday after taking over the portfolio from Dominic Perrottet when he became premier.
Childhood cancer survival rates improve
The number of deaths from cancer among children under 15 years old has decreased substantially over the last two decades, new research shows.
Finish line for ACT-Melbourne cancer ride
After a COVID-19 cancellation, riders will finally complete the last leg of a 900km ride from Canberra to Melbourne to raise funds for ovarian cancer research.
Aust cruise ship key in Vanuatu jab race
As Vanuatu prepares to reopen on July 1, an Australian cruise ship refitted as a floating vaccine clinic is racing to get to the country's remote islands.
‘No argument’ to keep some vax mandates
Australian epidemiologists have told an inquiry it is unclear why Victoria's double-dose COVID-19 vaccine mandates remain in some settings.
COVID-19 health funding measures extended
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's first national cabinet meeting has agreed to extend health and hospital funding for the pandemic until the end of the year.
Albanese talks down new hospitals deal
Ahead of the first national cabinet meeting to be chaired by Anthony Albanese, the prime minister has talked down a generous new hospitals funding deal.