News
Common Operating Picture discontinuation
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Common Operating Picture (COP) has been discontinued.
Protecting Older Australians – COVID-19 update 4 April 2023
In this issue: Letter to aged care providers on COVID-19 preparedness, Infection Control and Prevention (IPC) overview, Provider IPC responsibility, The commission's IPC oversight and IPC training grants available.
Protecting Older Australians – COVID-19 update 31 March 2023
In this issue: Minister Butler's announcement, Upcoming webinars, Information for Home Care and CHSP providers, Reminder about PPE preparedness packs.
Young Deadly Free – Safe sex and sexual health
Practising safe sex is everyone's responsibility. Reduce the risk of infection by using condoms and getting regular sexual health checks.
New provider resources about influenza vaccination for First Nations’ people
Vaccination providers play an important role in offering influenza vaccines for First Nations people. New resources are now available to support vaccination providers in having conversations with First Nations’ families.
ATAGI recommendations on use of the Moderna bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.4/5) COVID-19 vaccine
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of the Moderna bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.4/5) COVID-19 vaccine.
Protecting Older Australians – COVID-19 Update 14 February 2023
In this issue: Message from the Ministers to Aged Care Providers, ATAGI advice on 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster, Webinar – aged care COVID-19 update and more.
ATAGI recommendations on use of the Pfizer bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.4/5) COVID-19 vaccine
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of the Pfizer bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.4/5) COVID-19 vaccine.
ATAGI 2023 booster advice
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) regarding COVID-19 boosters in 2023. These recommendations replace previous ATAGI COVID-19 vaccine booster advice.
Changes to HPV vaccine dose schedule for young Australians
From 6 February 2023 the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine schedule will become a single dose schedule. Catch-up under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) will also be extended to all Australians 25 years and under.
Mandatory reporting of Japanese encephalitis virus vaccines to the Australian Immunisation Register began on 21 December 2022
From 21 December 2022, vaccination providers must report all Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccines administered to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
COVID-19 testing requirements for travellers from China, Hong Kong and Macau
See details on the pre-departure testing requirement for COVID-19 for people travelling to Australia from China, including Hong Kong and Macau.
End of the COVIDSafe data period.
The Minister for Health has determined the end of the COVIDSafe data period effective from 16 August 2022. All COVIDSafe app data has now been deleted from the National COVIDSafe Data Store.
Travellers from China required to undertake COVID-19 testing before travel
The Australian Government will introduce pre-departure testing for COVID-19 for people travelling to Australia from the People’s Republic of China.
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly’s interview on ABC News Breakfast on 29 December 2022.
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly’s interview on ABC News Breakfast on COVID-19.
Ensure you are protected against measles and polio before going overseas
A statement from Professor Paul Kelly, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, outlining the importance of vaccination against measles and polio.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 Newsletter 14 December 2022
What’s new: 2023 COVID-19 Guidance and Supports for Aged Care, Access to the National Medical Stockpile - PPE and RATs and more.
Access to PCR testing from 1 January 2023
The Australian Government is committed to supporting effective COVID-19 testing to limit the spread and ensure that those most at risk of severe disease have fast access to care and treatments.
Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 Newsletter 5 December 2022
What’s new: Recording of COVID-19 aged care update webinar, Festive season resources for providers and more.
COVID-19 antivirals prevent severe illness and death
A statement from Australia's acting Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AM, on COVID-19 antiviral treatments.
Ozzie vs Mozzie
The Australian Government has launched a new advertising campaign to encourage Australians to take simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito borne viruses, like Japanese Encephalitis Virus.
ATAGI recommendations on use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months to 4 years
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months to 4 years (Pfizer 6 months to 4 years).
ATAGI recommendations on use of the Pfizer bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.1) COVID-19 vaccine
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) the Pfizer bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.1) COVID-19 vaccine.
ATAGI update on boosters following COVID-19 meeting on 11 November 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their meeting on 11 November 2022.
New COVID-19 variant leads to increase in cases
A statement from Professor Paul Kelly, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, on the increase in COVID-19 cases due to a new Omicron variant.
Television interview with Professor Paul Kelly on The Today Show - Monday 7th November 2022
Read the transcript of the television interview with Chief Medical Office, Professor Paul Kelly on Covid 19 and OMICRON.
Television interview with Professor Paul Kelly and Stephanie Ferrier on ABC News Breakfast on Monday 7 November 2022
Read the transcript of the television interview with Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly on ABC News Breakfast, on COVID-19 and Rapid Antigen Tests.
Television interview with Professor Paul Kelly on Sunrise (Seven) on Monday 7 November 2022
Read the transcript of the television interview with Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly on Sunrise, on COVID-19 and Rapid Antigen Tests.
Protecting Older Australians – COVID-19 update – 28 October 2022
Read the latest update to the aged care sector on new COVID-19 information, including PPE pre-deployment for residential aged care homes and influenza vaccinations.
ATAGI recommendations for a booster dose of the paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on Pfizer booster doses for children aged 5 to 11 years.
Cancer Australia – Yarn for Life
Cancer Australia’s Yarn for Life is the first national cancer awareness campaign developed for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Protecting Older Australians – COVID-19 update 14 October 2022
In this edition: Aged care COVID-19 update webinar and COVID-19 isolation requirements for high-risk settings, including residential aged care homes.
Prime Minister’s update following the National Cabinet meeting 30 September 2022
Read the Prime Minister’s update following the National Cabinet meeting on 30 September 2022.
ATAGI recommend the COVID-19 vaccination for some children aged 6 months to under 5 years
Australia’s immunisation experts, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, recommend COVID-19 vaccination for some children aged 6 months to under 5 years who have an increased risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccination will help reduce this risk.
Take a Step
Did you know that in Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 24 years and under are 3 times more likely than other young people to die by suicide?
New weekly COVID-19 trends reporting
The Australian Government is now providing weekly trend reporting of COVID-19 case numbers and statistics.
Protecting Older Australians – COVID-19 update – 14 September 2022
Read the latest update to the aged care sector on new COVID-19 information, including COVID-19 vaccines.
ATAGI update following COVID-19 meeting – 7 September 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their meeting on 7 September 2022. ATAGI are now meeting every fortnight on COVID-19 related issues.
ATAGI statement on use of the Moderna bivalent Original/Omicron vaccine
A statement from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) regarding COVID-19 Moderna Spikevax Bivalent Original/Omicron BA.1 vaccine.
AHPPC Statement – reduced isolation period for COVID-19 cases
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) notes the need for a proportionate approach to isolation for those with COVID‑19 infections at this stage of the pandemic.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 31 August 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 31 August 2022.
National Cabinet Statement on COVID-19 settings
The following statement was released following the conclusion of National Cabinet on Wednesday 31 August 2022.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 24 August 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 24 August 2022.
Novavax vaccine for adolescents aged 12–17 years
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of the Novavax vaccine for adolescents aged 12-17 years.
The new Teeny Tiny Stevies song 'I got you'
A new children’s song has been created to help remind families how to avoid viral infections like COVID-19.
COVID-19 Oral Antiviral Treatments
The Australian Government has launched the latest phase of the COVID-19 campaign to inform Australians that COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments are available for eligible cohorts.
Stay COVID-19 safe!
Masks help protect people from viruses like COVID-19 and help stop them from spreading between people. Wearing a mask is something easy that you can do to protect yourself.
ATAGI recommends COVID-19 vaccine use in some children aged 6 months to 4 years
From 5 September 2022, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 6 months to 4 years who are severely immunocompromised, have a disability, or have complex and/or multiple health conditions.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 3 August 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 3 August 2022
ATAGI recommendations on COVID-19 vaccine use in children aged 6 months to <5 years
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) COVID-19 vaccine use in children.
New COVID-19 safe behaviours campaign
Australians are being encouraged to practise good health behaviours to help slow the spread of COVID-19, as we experience a surge of COVID-19 infections.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 27 July 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 27 July 2022.
Monkeypox (MPX) situation declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance
Australia's Chief Medical Officer has today declared the monkeypox (MPX) situation a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS).
Chief Medical Officer’s statement declaring monkeypox a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance
A statement from Professor Paul Kelly, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, declaring monkeypox (MPX) a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 20 July 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 20 July 2022.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 20 July 2022
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 20 July 2022.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview on ABC Radio National on 20 July 2022
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly's interview with Patricia Karvelas on ABC Radio National on 20 July 2022.
COVID-19 update from the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly
A statement by Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly regarding the increase in cases of the new BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of the COVID-19 Omicron strain.
Top 3 questions – Living with COVID-19 in winter with Professor Alison McMillan
Hear from Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Professor Alison McMillan. In this video she discusses if you can avoid getting COVID-19, how to prepare for it if you’re immunocompromised, and caring for someone with a disability or dementia.
Chief Medical Officer’s statement on standard of care on COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments in residential aged care facilities
A statement from Professor Paul Kelly, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, about the standard of care on COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments in residential aged care facilities.
Take on winter
The Australian Government has launched the latest phase of the COVID-19 campaign to encourage Australians to get up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination and receive their flu vaccination this winter.
Kids will be kids
The Australian Government has launched the latest phase of the COVID-19 campaign to encourage parents of children aged 5 to 15 to book their child’s COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 oral treatment eligibility expanded from 11 July 2022
From 11 July 2022, more Australians at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 will be able to access oral antiviral treatments following new recommendations from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
AHPPC statement on COVID-19 winter update and ongoing health protection measures to support our community
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic situation, drawing upon international and local evidence.
ATAGI updated recommendations for a winter dose of COVID-19 vaccine
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the COVID-19 vaccine winter dose.
Protecting Older Australians – COVID-19 update 24 June 2022
In this edition: Extension of Australian Defence Force support for residential aged care and information on COVID-19 Aged Care Support grants.
AHPPC Statement on the Removal of Mask Mandates in Airports
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) has reviewed the current COVID-19 situation in Australia and revised the need for mandated mask wearing in certain settings.
ATAGI recommendations on first booster dose in adolescents aged 12-15 years
Recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on the use of a first booster dose in adolescents aged 12-15 years.
Australians urged to get vaccinated against influenza
This year, for the first time, Australia will be managing COVID-19 and an influenza season. As we move into the winter 2022 season it is increasingly important that people protect themselves from both COVID-19 and influenza.
Award-winning healthcare for Western Desert communities
The Purple House story began with paintings by Papunya Tula artists from Walungurru and Kiwirrikurra.
Are you a young dad? Stay on track with this new resource
Stayin’ On Track is an online resource space offering mentorship and support for young Aboriginal dads to stay on track and be good dads.
Be Brave. Make Change.
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It is also time to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Book your COVID-19 vaccine winter dose
No matter where you live, whether you’re up north in the sun, or down south with the cold, it is recommended that some people receive a winter dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Top 3 questions – Monkeypox
Dr Lucas De Toca, COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary, talks about Monkeypox.
Protecting Older Australians – COVID-19 update 27 May 2022
In this issue edition: Winter preparedness, Reminders about vaccinations for influenza and COVID-19 and Aged Care Emergency and Crisis Management Training.
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination provide important protection this winter
A statement from Australia's acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett, about managing COVID-19 and an influenza season.
Top 3 with Dr Lucas De Toca – Winter Preparedness
Dr Lucas De Toca, COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary, answers the Top Three questions across our channels.
Expanded ATAGI recommendations on winter COVID-19 booster doses for people at increased risk of severe COVID-19
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have expanded their recommendations on the use of additional (booster) doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in (NSW, Qld, Vic, NT and SA)
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in (NSW, Qld, Vic, NT and SA) to help you book a vaccination appointment.
Monkeypox update from acting CMO Dr Sonya Bennett
A statement from Australia's acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett, urging Australians to be aware of the monkeypox virus.
Top 3 questions – What is long COVID, is it becoming more common, do vaccines reduce your chance of getting it
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd, answers the Top Three questions across our channels.
Flu treatment deployment in residential aged care
To prepare for the winter season the flu treatment, Tamiflu (oseltamivir), will be deployed in residential aged care next week.
Protecting Older Australians – COVID-19 update 19 May 2022
In this issue edition: Leadership and , for RACFs webinar, Winter preparedness webinar series, Pulse Oximeters for home care clients and NSW Health guidance.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in (NSW, QLD, VIC, SA and NT)
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in (NSW, QLD, VIC, SA and NT) to help you book a vaccination appointment.
Australian Immunisation Handbook website upgrade
New features will be available soon as part of an upgrade to the Australian Immunisation Handbook website and mobile app.
Top 3 with Dr Lucas De Toca – Flu vaccination, what is in it and how safe it is
Dr Lucas De Toca, COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary, answers the Top Three questions across our channels.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 4 May 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 4 May 2022.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in (NSW, QLD, VIC, NT and SA)
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in (NSW, QLD, VIC, NT and SA) to help you book a vaccination appointment.
Protecting Older Australians – COVID-19 Update 9 May 2022
In this issue edition: leadership and governance webinar for RACFs, state and territory directions, supporting visitation in RACFs - resources.
Top 3 questions – COVID treatments, close contact rules & COVIDSafe aged care visits
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd, answers the Top Three questions across our channels.
Protecting Older Australians – COVID-19 update 2 May 2022
In this issue: Webinar update on Aged Care and COVID-19 and resources for providers on changed reporting requirements on COVID-19 vaccination.
Top 3 questions – Flu season
Dr Lucas De Toca, COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary, answers the Top Three questions across our channels.
Australian community urged to get vaccinated against influenza update from the Acting CMO Dr Sonya Bennett
A joint statement from the Acting Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett, and the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Professor Alison McMillan, regarding the importance of flu vaccinations this winter.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in (NSW, QLD, VIC, NT and SA)
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in (NSW, QLD, VIC, NT and SA) to help you book a vaccination appointment.
COVID-19 oral treatment listed on PBS from 1 May 2022
From 1 May 2022, Paxlovid will be available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for Australians at high risk of developing severe COVID-19.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 27 April 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 27 April 2022.
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in (VIC, NSW,QLD and SA)
COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in (VIC, NSW, QLD and SA) to help you book a vaccination appointment.
Protecting Older Australians – COVID-19 update 22 April 2022
In this issue: Winter Preparedness webinar, COVID-19 winter dose program in residential aged care, Upcoming webinar for providers, Grant opportunity for aged care workers and Ventilation strategies to reduce COVID-19 transmission in residential aged care facilities.
Top 3 questions – COVID-19 symptoms, wearing a mask, and seeking treatments
Hear from Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd on the latest information on COVID-19 symptoms, wearing a mask, and seeking treatments.
ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 20 April 2022
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 20 April 2022.
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