Australia to roll out fourth COVID vaccine shot ahead of winter
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia will roll out a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccines to its most susceptible inhabitants beginning subsequent month, authorities mentioned on Friday, because the nation appears to restrict contemporary outbreaks forward of winter.
The choice comes amid a gentle rise in circumstances fuelled by the extremely contagious BA.2 sub-variant of the Omicron pressure and considerations of co-circulation of COVID-19 and flu viruses throughout colder months as most social distancing restrictions finish.
A second booster shot can be supplied from April 4 to individuals who had their earlier booster shot no less than 4 months in the past and are over 65 years, Indigenous Australians over 50, individuals with incapacity or severely immunocompromised, Well being Minister Greg Hunt mentioned throughout a media briefing.
Australia, which is among the many most closely vaccinated nations in opposition to the brand new coronavirus, has to this point administered two vaccine doses to 95% of individuals above 16. Practically 67% has been given a 3rd, or booster shot, official knowledge confirmed.
This has helped Australia to limit its COVID-19 numbers, with about 4 million circumstances and 5,824 deaths registered for the reason that pandemic started, far decrease than many comparable nations. A complete of round 35,000 new circumstances and 16 deaths have been reported by late morning on Friday, with 4 states attributable to report later.
(Reporting by Renju Jose; Enhancing by Lincoln Feast.)
