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New COVID-19 Vaccinations Approved To Protect Against Latest Wave

Two new COVID-19 vaccinations will be available in Australia to fight against new strains of the virus causing another wave.

On Monday, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) approved the Moderna and Pfizer XBB 1.5 vaccines, and further approved by the federal government.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The National Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:

Health Minister Mark Butler said the XBB 1.5 vaccines “have been found to provide modest improved protection against the COVID-19 strains circulating in the community”.

“These new vaccines will help protect Australians against current strains of COVID-19 and demonstrate the government’s ongoing commitment to provide access to the latest and most effective vaccines,” Mr Butler said.

“Vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19, particularly for older adults and those who are immunocompromised.

“While we are no longer in the emergency phase of this pandemic, COVID-19 is still present, and people should continue to follow the advice of the experts from ATAGI, including getting vaccines as required.”

Listen to The Briefing’s episode where Professor Paul Griffin answers all the big questions about the latest COVID-19 wave:

The new vaccines will be available alongside the existing vaccines, and the current eligibility recommendations will remain the same.

Pfizer’s XBB.1.5 vaccine will be available for eligible people aged five years and older, while the Moderna XBB.1.5 vaccine can be used for those aged 12 years and older.

You can check your eligibility here.

In the last seven days, over 10,000 Australians reported testing positive to COVID-19, but that number could be larger as reporting is no longer mandatory.

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