Older Australians could be given the green light for another Covid-19 booster shot ahead of an anticipated surge of cases this winter, with immunisation experts considering whether older Australians will need a yearly booster.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the Australian Technical Advisory Group for Immunisation were considering whether fourth shots would be recommended for people over the age of 65.
“I can’t pre-empt the decision, but… (ATAGI) are potentially going to recommend a second booster, which would be potentially the start of an annual program for people 65 and above,” he said on Friday.
“We’re expecting that advice from ATAGI within the next three weeks, ifxjmtzyw not earlier.”
Health authorities are concerned about what a winter of Covid-19 combined with the first real influenza season since 2019 could do to health systems around the country.
The concern has prompted the government to pledge $2.1bn for a “winter preparedness” package.
The multibillion-dollar package will include the extension of the concessional rapid antigen test program; as well as a boost to personal protective equipment in residential care and disability settings.
Mr Hunt said the focus over winter would be on minimising the health impacts.
“(We are) preparing for the worst contingencies and as ever, seek to beat those outcomes,” Mr Hunt said.
“In terms of all of the predictions of worst-case scenarios with regards to impact on hospitals for omicron, we were able, as a nation, to in fact be the best of the scenarios over the course of summer.
“Not without challenge and difficulty and hardship, but nevertheless with the strong support of all of those involved in the systems.”
The new swathe of Covid-19 measures comes as it’s announced Australia will purchase an additional 130,000 doses of vaccines for Japanese encephalitis, as part of a $69m bid to combat the mosquito-borne virus.
Two people have died from the mosquito-borne virus in recent weeks, and there are 15 active cases and a number of impacted piggeries across the country, prompting the government to ramp up its vaccine supplies.
Deputy chief medical officer Sonya Bennett last week declared the virus a communicable disease incident of national significance, and the commonwealth is working closely with states and territories.
Dr Bennett said it was important to note that “JEV” was not a new virus, but it was new to mainland Australia.
“We hadn’t anticipated seeing it emerge as quickly as it has across piggeries in four states, and the number of human cases we are now also seeing,” Dr Bennett said on Friday.
The additional vaccines will be prioritised for people with direct exposure or close proximity to pigs and mosquitoes and those with high-level occupational exposure in the risk areas.
As part of the government’s package, $17.5m will be spent on supporting jurisdictions with mosquito surveillance and control activities.
An additional $5m will be spent on public health communication.
Mr Hunt said those concerned about the virus should follow “simple steps” to prevent contact with infected mosquitoes.
“Such as using repellent containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin, wearing loose fitting clothing when outside, and ensuring that accommodation is properly fitted with mosquito nettings or screens,” he said.
