COVID-19 Webinar

COVID-19, or coronavirus disease, is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that can be easily spread from person to person. While no longer considered a public health emergency of national or international concern, COVID-19 is still present and having an impact in the community. There are measures you can put in place to protect yourself and your loved ones, particularly when there are an increased number of cases in the community.

It is especially important that those at high risk of severe COVID-19, including people living with a lung condition, are protected and take the necessary measures to reduce risk of exposure.  

To help stay safe, you can: 

• Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. If you are unsure, speak with your healthcare provider, such as your GP or pharmacist.  
• Talk with your healthcare team about your options for COVID-19 treatment and how to access these treatments if you test positive for COVID-19 
• Stay home if you are unwell or test positive for COVID-19 
• Practise good hygiene  
• Consider wearing a mask in situations where it may be difficult to physically distance 

It is especially important that those at high risk of severe COVID-19, including people living with a lung condition, are protected and take the necessary measures to reduce risk of exposure.  

To help stay safe, you can: 

• Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. If you are unsure, speak with your healthcare provider, such as your GP or pharmacist.  
• Talk with your healthcare team about your options for COVID-19 treatment and how to access these treatments if you test positive for COVID-19 
• Stay home if you are unwell or test positive for COVID-19 
• Practise good hygiene  
• Consider wearing a mask in situations where it may be difficult to physically distance 

COVID-19 vaccines offer significant protection against severe COVID-19 infection. It can be difficult trying to keep up with the latest advice on when to get a vaccine and who is eligible. To assist, the latest recommendations on booster doses are summarised below (as per Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024): 

Recommendations by Age Group

75 years and older

• Recommended every 6 months.

65-74 years

• Recommended every 12 months. Can consider every 6 months.

18-64 years

• With severe immunocompromise: Recommended every 12 months. Can consider every 6 months.
• Without severe immunocompromise: Consider every 12 months.

5-17 years

• With severe immunocompromise: Consider every 12 months.
• Without severe immunocompromise: Not recommended.

Under 5 years

• Not recommended.

Other Key Information

• COVID-19 vaccines remain funded for all eligible individuals, including those without a Medicare card.
• COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with any other vaccine for people aged 5 years and over.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible for antiviral treatment if you are:

• 70 years of age or older
• 50-69 years of age and with one additional risk factor
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, 30 years or older and with one additional risk factor
• An adult who is moderately to severely immunocompromised
• An adult who has experienced a past COVID-19 infection resulting in hospitalisation

Additional risk factors include living in residential aged care, pre-existing health conditions such as chronic respiratory conditions, or living remotely with reduced access to higher level healthcare. For a full list of risk factors, visit the Department of Health website. Check your eligibility for antivirals here. If you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, it can help to have a conversation with your GP before contracting COVID-19 about your individual circumstances. Together, you can develop a plan to ensure you can access antiviral treatment quickly if you need it.

If you have tested negative for COVID-19 using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) but have been a close contact with someone who tested positive, you may be wondering whether the negative result is correct. The Therapeutic Goods Association is reviewing all RATs included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.