News and media

An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 1 December 2021.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has noted the emergence of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, which has been named the Omicron variant.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HIV Awareness Week (ATSIHAW) is held each year in the first week of December. Now in its 8th year, ATSIHAW has been making sure that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people know about the risks of HIV.

Michael held off on having the COVID-19 vaccine but catching the virus changed his mind. ‘I was very hesitant to get it. And then when I did get the virus, you know, there was no way that I wasn’t going to get vaccinated because as I said, it was the worst feeling that I’ve ever felt in my life.'

Read the Prime Minister's statement about Australia’s COVID-19 response and the new Omicron strain.

Find out what we know about Omicron, its severity and transmissibility, and how we are working to protect Australians.

Read the Prime Minister’s statement about temporarily pausing the planned easing of border restrictions.

The Australian Public Service employee census report for 2021 has been released. Read more about the census and Health's results.

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in QLD to help you book a vaccination appointment.

On the basis of medical advice provided by the Chief Medical Officer of Australia, Professor Paul Kelly, the Australian Government will implement additional border security measures as a precaution to protect Australians from the new Omicron variant of concern.

We are about to open a consultation about a potential National Medicines Traceability Framework (NMTF) for PBS medicines. If you are an industry participant of the medicine supply chain in Australia, you can take part. Find out how you can get involved and make a submission.

An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 24 November 2021.

The Schedule of Service Items and Fees outlines the requirements related to services. The remaining COVID-19 special arrangements cease permanently from 1 January 2022. Non-compliant claims for services will be required to be reimbursed to the Commonwealth.

We have been notified about a COVID-19 text message scam. If you get a text message from us offering a COVID-19 vaccination benefit payment, do not open the link.