National cabinet has wrapped up with no changes made to the definition of “fully vaccinated” in Australia.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews had been pushing for the term to be redefined so that people would need to have received three doses of the Covid jab to earn the classification.
But states and territories are still waiting for final advice from the national advisory panel.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of national cabinet on Thursday, the Victorian Premier said the third shot was critical.
“This is not a two-dose thing (or) two doses and a bonus – it is absolutely critical and essential,” Mr Andrews told reporters.
“International evidence, our own experience, the views of experts and hopefully confirmation of both ATAGI and national cabinet today will mean everyone knows and understands this is a three-dose project.”
The change could also have ramifications for entering venues and events.
“I think it will very soon be three doses to get the green tick,” Mr Andrews said.
Asked when the change could be made, the premier responded: “Hopefully we get that confirmation today.”
But NCA Newswire understands the nation’s vaccine advisory has yet to make a submission to national cabinet on the change.
Earlier this month, Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said the ATAGI was meeting weekly potential changes to the Covid-19 vaccine program.
“There's a number of implementation issues that would need to be considered but … the third dose is clearly an important thing,” Professor Kelly told reporters.
“If you have Omicron or Omicron is present, we know that does increase the protection against severe disease and against transmission and against infection.”
Over 7 million Australians over the age of 18 years old have received a third shot of the vaccine.
Currently, only those 18 and over are eligible to receive a booster shot.
The European ambassador to Australia has flagged a similar change could be on the cards overseas.
“It's increasingly clear that only a booster jab gives you the safety that in the former Delta period double vaccination would’ve given you,” Michael Pulch told ABC Radio.
“That's why we are looking at whether or not we need to redefine fully vaccinated.”
At the national cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for a continued focus on vaccinations, with health experts expecting an increase in cases going into winter.
State and territory leaders are also expected an increase in case numbers when surveillance testing of school students begins.
Premiers and chief ministers also reported that pressure on their hospital systems was reducing, in terms of admissions and ICU patient numbers.
There were no changes to the list of essential workers.
National cabinet agrreed to make it easier to obtain truck licenses, with the system to be managed based on competency and skills tests, instead of just driving times.
Australia will also recognise truck licenses of New Zealand drivers.
The next national cabinet meeting will be held in a fortnight.
