Australia joins pandemic preparedness fund
The Albanese government will provide money for a new global fund designed to help prevent future pandemics.
vaccines
Opposition calls for flight mask scrapping
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says Australia should end the requirement for all passengers on inbound international flights to wear a mask.
Minister urges aged care booster rate rise
Health Minister Mark Butler says he wants to see the fourth dose rate for COVID vaccines in aged care facilities increase.
Virus fight continues as funding extended
The prime minister and state and territory leaders have agreed on an extension of funding as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the health system.
Virus toll climbs by 106 over weekend
More than 100 COVID-19 deaths have been reported across Australia over the past two days, along with more than 47,000 new infections.
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.
Omicron wave cases double reported: study
Blood samples indicate almost one in five Australian adults recently had COVID-19 after the peak of the Omicron wave.
Fewer COVID-19 deaths under female leaders
Countries with female leaders recorded 40 per cent fewer COVID-19 deaths compared to those run by men, new research from the University of Queensland says.
Novavax vaccine approved as COVID booster
The Novavax vaccine has been given the Australian regulator's tick of approval as a COVID-19 booster for people aged 18 and over, the company has announced.
COVID-19 hit mental health and hip pockets
Prolonged lockdowns during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic led many Australians to seek mental health support for the first time.
Vax mandate needs to stay: Qld police boss
Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll has testified for a second time at the trial of more than 70 police and health workers challenging jab mandates.
Tasmania targets record-high flu jabs
Health authorities in Tasmania want a record number of people to get vaccinated against influenza amid a spike in infections.
Girls more stressed than boys about COVID
A new study has advised mental health initiatives in a pandemic should focus more on girls, who experienced greater stress than boys over the COVID-19 outbreak.
Aussie AstraZeneca CEO honoured by Queen
The Australian boss of pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, which produced a crucial vaccine against COVID-19, has been given a knighthood by the Queen.
‘Enough’ vaccines for free Vic flu program
Victoria will roll out a month-long free flu vaccine program in GPs and pharmacies this winter, with authorities confident there is enough stock to go around.
Virus vax mandate challenged in Qld court
A legal challenge to Queensland's requirement for police and health workers to have COVID-19 vaccinations has begun in a Brisbane court.
Victorians set to get free flu vaccination
Victoria is expected to follow many other states in offering all residents free flu vaccinations to combat high numbers of infections over winter.
Alcohol health services see pandemic spike
The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline received 25,000 calls in 2021, prompting concerns about Australian's post-pandemic drinking habits.
Experts concerned over low booster uptake
Health authorities are concerned about the low uptake of COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as ATAGI makes a fourth dose available for more Australians.
Second COVID booster eligibility expanded
An extra 1.5 million people are now eligible to receive a fourth COVID-19 vaccine, or second booster.
Vic, WA and SA eyeing free flu vax
As Australia faces its first real flu season since 2019, the Victorian, WA and SA governments are looking at making vaccines free.
NSW considers free flu shots as cases rise
NSW hospitals are under intense pressure amid the early arrival of a potentially severe flu season during a pandemic as the state looks to lift vaccine uptake.
Qld govt reluctant to set up flu jab hubs
The Queensland government has ruled out setting up hubs to administer free flu vaccines for now amid concerns about a lack of supply at GP clinics.
Qld Government makes flu jabs free amid rise in cases
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced free flu jabs across the state amid a rise in cases in 2022.
Pauline Hanson struck down with COVID-19
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has contracted COVID-19 and will remain in isolation until after Saturday's federal election.
Tas to lift virus density, capacity rules
Tasmania is lifting its remaining coronavirus density and capacity limits from this weekend, Premier Jeremy Rockliff has announced.
Rising COVID-19 cases inevitable: PM
Scott Morrison says rising COVID-19 infection rates were inevitable and Australia's management of the pandemic has been one of the best in the world.
One in five worked with COVID symptoms
Almost one-in-five-Australians surveyed admit they worked while experiencing COVID-19 symptoms at some point during the pandemic.
PM wants chance to act on pandemic lessons
The prime minister has asked voters for a chance to act on lessons learned during the COVID pandemic, as industry calls for the provision of rapid flu tests.
Mask rules ditched for flyers in Europe
Australians travelling in Europe this northern spring will not have to wear masks on planes or at airports inside the EU, as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
WA health system fears amid virus surge
COVID-19 cases in Western Australia have surged, prompting calls for the re-introduction of some restrictions, including masks.