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Health Minister Mark Butler said to expect another wave of coronavirus infections this year as he revealed about 160,000 more Australians would be eligible to take the antiviral drug Paxlovid to treat the virus from Saturday.
“This is not over,” Butler said in Canberra today.
“There will be future waves of Covid across the course of this year.”
Australians aged 60 to 69 with just one risk factor will be eligible under the changes.
Previously, patients required two risk factors to access the drug.
”We know how effective Paxlovid and Molnupiravir – two oral antivirals – are in preventing severe disease and hospitalisation and death,” Butler said.
“This will make a real difference to the experience of many tens of thousands of people aged in their 60s and take real pressure off the hospital system as well.”
The government has also extended entitlements for aged care workers without leave who catch COVID-19.
They will still be able to access up to $750 per week through their employer.
Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said it was difficult to tell if a “ripple” of rising coronavirus infections currently hitting Australia could turn into a “wave” but that he wouldn’t be surprised if it did.
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“I don’t have a crystal ball,” he said.
“But in terms of future COVID waves, as (Butler) mentioned, I think we’ve got a ripple at the moment whether that will turn into a wave for the reasons I mentioned, and mentioned in my report, it’s difficult to predict to the stage.
“But certainly, there has been an increase in numbers over the last few weeks as mentioned, but off a very low base.”
Infections are not rising at the rate seen in the most recent summer and winter COVID-19 waves, Kelly said.
However, the top doctor said it is still crucial for Australians to remain up to date with their vaccinations.
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“The evidence that we’ve seen from the Australian experience is the same, as led to ATAGI’s advice in relation to a dose of vaccine: if you have not had a vaccine or an infection in the last six months – that time since the last immunising event is really crucial,” he said.
“So, very strong message particularly to people over the age of 65 and others with risk factors, is to get that vaccine now, don’t wait.”
The federal government will begin rolling out a new advertising campaign on Sunday to reinforce the importance of vaccinations.
