The Chief Health Officer has issued an alert about a new strain of Covid-19, increase in hospitalisations and increase of antiviral prescriptions during December 2023.
Covid-19 Advice
covid-19-advice for CALD community
New Covid Booster Shots Available
New COVID booster shots are now available in Australia.
And as cases rise ahead of the holiday period yet again, experts say the new vaccines will still help protect against the subvariants currently spreading around the country.
So, how effective are they, who can get them, and where can you get them?
Christmas Health warnings follow COVID-19 comeback
News of a COVID-19 resurgence has authorities reissuing health warnings ahead of the Christmas season. The latest Victorian COVID-19 Surveillance Report issued by the Health Department on November 24, showed the number of hospitalisations, the seven-day ICU average and deaths in the most recent 28-day period all increasing.
Millions of high-risk Australians aren’t getting vaccinated. A policy reset could save lives
Each year, vaccines prevent thousands of deaths and hospitalisations in Australia. But millions of high-risk older Australians aren’t getting recommended vaccinations against COVID, the flu, pneumococcal disease and shingles. Some people are more likely to miss out, such as migrant communities and those in rural areas and poorer suburbs.
COVID-19 information in your language
There is extreme concern about the next wave of Covid in Victoria and Shepparton. Everyone has the right to get accurate and up to date health information in their own language. COVID-19 has impacted migrant and refugee communities in many ways and we share information and video in many languages for your knowledge.
Face masks
Face masks can stop or slow viruses from spreading. Face masks lower your chance of catching and spreading an airborne virus. That’s why wearing a high-quality and well-fitted face mask can help protect you and those around you from COVID-19. Medical research has now confirmed Covid-19 is an airborne virus. A mask is recommended in public settings of any kind.
COVID cases are rising across Australia.
Australia appears to be on the cusp of an eighth COVID-19 wave, with an increase in cases across the country.
Victoria’s acting chief health officer has suggested all Melburnians consider donning masks again as community transmission surges, while NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant says case numbers will likely rise in the lead-up to Christmas.
Here’s a quick refresh on all of the key facts about coronavirus.
Increase in COVID-19 cases
The Chief Health Officer Victoria issues an alert on Friday 27 October regarding an Increase in COVID-19 cases.
2023 Covid booster shots
Eligible Victorians who have not had a COVID vaccination or confirmed infection in the past six months can now receive their 2023 booster. This is irrespective of how many prior doses a person has received. Vaccination continues to provide the best protection against becoming severely unwell or dying from COVID.
COVID-19 Update – July 2023
The seven-day rolling average of patients with COVID in Victorian hospitals is 207, a decrease of 15 per cent from last week. There are currently 174 COVID patients in Victorian hospitals. There are currently 11 COVID patients in intensive care. There are 2 cleared cases in ICU. There are 6 COVID patients on a ventilator. The seven-day rolling average of patients in intensive care in Victorian hospitals is 10. In the past three months, 3,679 COVID patients were hospitalised in Victoria.