The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.

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ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 2 March 2022

An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 2 March 2022.

Japanese encephalitis virus situation declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance

Dr Mark Schipp, Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer and Dr Sonya Bennet, Australia's Acting Chief Medical Officer have today declared the Japanese encephalitis virus situation a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS).

Top 3 questions – The impacts of alcohol on health, how to reduce alcohol intake, and how to help someone who's struggling

Professor Alison McMillan, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, talks about the impacts of alcohol on our health and wellbeing.

Feedback for PRIMM round 2 grant applicants now available

We have written feedback for those who applied for our second round of grants under the Primary care Rural Innovative Multidisciplinary Models (PRIMM) grant opportunity. This will assist them in submitting an application in the next round.

Updated ATAGI recommendations on the use of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has updated its recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines for use as a booster.

Japanese encephalitis detected in Eastern Australia

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has been detected in piggeries in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.

Top 3 questions – Helping kids return to school and sports, strategies to check in with teens, and finding support

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruth Vine, answers the top three questions you've been asking on our social accounts around mental health.

ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 23 February 2022

An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 23 February 2022.

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in NSW, Vic, Qld and WA

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia to help you book a vaccination appointment.

Diabetes and COVID-19

People with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems are at greater risk of getting seriously sick from COVID-19. This includes people living with diabetes, like Nevaeh (pictured).

2022 influenza vaccination – early advice for vaccination providers

Vaccination against influenza (flu) is important this year. Vaccination is our best defence against flu viruses.

Top 3 questions – Staying positive, social anxiety, and support for health workers

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruth Vine, answers the top three questions you've been asking on our social accounts around mental health.

Expressions of interest now open for the COVID-19 pandemic response workforce

The Australian Government is calling on retired, part-time and under-employed health care workers to provide their skills to support the health workforce and the Australian community. Find out how you can get involved.

ATAGI recommendations on the use of Spikevax (Moderna) COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 6 to 11 years

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has made recommendations for the use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 6 to 11 years.

Soliris® (eculizumab) available on PBS from 1 March 2022

The program that subsidises Soliris® for patients with a rare condition called paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) is changing. Until now, we have subsidised Soliris® under the Life Saving Drugs Program. From 1 March 2022, this will change to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in NSW, Qld, SA, Vic and WA

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia to help you book a vaccination appointment.

ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 16 February 2022

An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 16 February 2022.

Hearing Services Program provider notice 2022-03 – Temporary change to service requirements

The Schedule of Service Items and Fees (No. 1) 2022 is now available. Verbal maintenance agreements can be provided. The change to service requirements comes into effect 21 February 2022.

TGA approval of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for people 6 years and older

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Spikevax (Moderna) vaccine, for people 6 years and older.

Top 3 COVID-19 vaccine questions – COVID variants & symptoms, body recovery from COVID & Omicron

Dr Lucas de Toca, COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary, answers the top 3 questions you’ve been asking on our social accounts.

Why assess MRFF grants? Our Roll of Honour members explain

Have you thought about participating in MRFF grant assessment committees? Read the experiences of our assessors and find out how to nominate.

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in Vic, NSW, WA and Qld

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia to help you book a vaccination appointment.

Top 3 COVID-19 vaccine questions – Avoiding certain things before a RAT, testing for kids, and variants picked up by tests

Dr Lucas De Toca, COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary, answers the Top Three questions across our channels.

Rapid Antigen Tests

A rapid antigen test (RAT) is a quick way to test if you are positive for COVID-19.

ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 9 February 2022

An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 9 February 2022.

Support for research to reduce pressure on emergency departments

The Australian Government will invest up to $24 million in research to improve acute care systems and reduce emergency department waiting times. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

Release of the concept paper – Concepts for a new framework for regulating aged care

We have released a concept paper outlining a new, improved approach to regulating aged care.

ATAGI recommendations for use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose in adolescents aged 16-17 years

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has made recommendations for use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose in adolescents aged 16-17 years.

ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 2 February 2022

An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 2 February 2022.

ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 27 January 2022

An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 27 January 2022.

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in SA, WA, Vic, NSW and Qld

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland to help you book a vaccination appointment.

Top 3 COVID-19 vaccine questions – Reinfection, cases in vaccinated areas and best masks

Professor Alison McMillan, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, answers the top three questions across our channels.

Hearing Services Program provider notice 2022-02 – Service requirements in 2022

Providers must comply with all program requirements, including the schedule of services items and fees. Providers must comply with mandatory state and territory Public Health Orders.

ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 19 January 2022

An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 19 January 2022.

ATAGI statement on the use of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid)

Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, also known as Nuvaxovid (Biocelect Pty Ltd/Novavax Inc) has been provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in a primary course of vaccination in people aged 18 years and older.

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in NSW, Qld, SA, Vic and WA

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia to help you book a vaccination appointment.

AHPPC statement on rapid antigen testing for current high community prevalence environment

A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on rapid antigen testing for current high community prevalence environment.

Hearing Services Program provider notice 2022-01 – Advertising and marketing

Familiarise yourself with program legislation and contractual obligations before publishing any promotional material. Review any existing advertising and marketing materials to ensure it is compliant with program requirements. Contact the program if you are unsure.

AHPPC Interim Guidance on permissions and Restrictions for Workers in Health Care Settings

This interim guidance from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) is to support decision making when a worker in a health care setting has been exposed to a COVID-19 outbreak and/ or community transmission.

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in NSW, Qld and Vic

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria to help you book a vaccination appointment.

Report of the Independent review of the hearing services program

The final report of the Hearing Services Program review is available.

ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 12 January 2022

An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 12 January 2022.

$21.8 million to turn medical research into better patient care

The Australian Government is investing more than $21 million to help turn vital medical research into better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for patients.

National Cabinet Media Statement

In response to COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, National Cabinet has agreed to new approaches for Rapid antigen testing, essential workers close contact and the National Framework for Managing COVID-19 in Schools and Early Childhood Education and Care.

Top 3 COVID-19 vaccine questions – Inclusions in a COVID-19 plan, managing symptoms, and getting medical help

Professor Michael Kidd, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, answers the top three questions you’ve been asking on our social accounts.

Tested positive for COVID-19? What you need to do now

COVID-19 cases are rising across Australia. Find out what to do if you test positive.

AHPPC interim guidance on permissions and restrictions for workers in food and grocery supply

This interim guidance from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) is to support decision making when a worker has been exposed to a COVID-19 outbreak or community transmission.

$63.4 million for rare cancers and rare diseases research

The Australian Government has announced 27 grant recipients under the 2021 Rare Cancers, Rare Diseases and Unmet Need (RCRDUN) grant opportunity.

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in NSW, Qld, SA, Tas and WA

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia to help you book a vaccination appointment.

COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11

Children aged five to 11 years are now eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. Book an appointment at Australia.gov.au.

$14.8 million for innovative mental health clinical trials

Seven clinical trials will share $14.8 million to test the use of combination therapies to treat debilitating mental illnesses. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

Prime Minister’s statement on new approaches to testing protocols

In response to COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, National Cabinet has agreed to new approaches for test and isolate protocols.

$5.5 million for clinical trials to treat low-survival breast cancers

The Australian Government has announced Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) support for clinical trials to treat low-survival breast cancer.

Supporting early to mid-career researchers to tackle significant health challenges

The Australian Government is providing $42.8 million to help early to mid-career researchers find solutions to Australia’s greatest health challenges. Funding is from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

COVID-19 vaccination info kiosks open now in NSW, Qld, SA and WA

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and at events in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia to help you book a vaccination appointment.

AHPPC statement on testing, tracing, isolating and quarantining in high levels of COVID-19 community transmission

A statement from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on test, trace, isolate and quarantine (TTIQ) in the context of high levels of COVID-19 community transmission.

Prime Minister's statement in response to COVID-19 and the Omicron variant

In response to the COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, National Cabinet has agreed to new approaches to testing and isolation for close contacts and COVID cases.

Distribution Priority Area (DPA) update

Changes to the Distribution Priority Area (DPA) classification apply from 1 January 2022.

COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks open now in QLD

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

ATAGI update following weekly COVID-19 meeting – 22 December 2021

An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 22 December 2021.

ATAGI Statement on the Omicron variant and the timing of COVID-19 booster vaccination

A statement from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) about the COVID-19 Omicron variant and the timing of COVID-19 booster vaccination.

COVID-19 – Omicron update from CMO Professor Paul Kelly

An update from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, about the new Omicron variant of concern.
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