While Australia remains relatively free of COVID-19, globally the pandemic continues. Because of this measures to minimise an outbreak are in place. This includes ongoing international travel restrictions, as well as the requirement to check in at certain locations.
Australia is also rolling out COVID-19 vaccines. The Therapeutic Goods Administration is the Australia's medicine regulator, which makes sure every safety measure has been taken. The regulator has approved two vaccines made by Pfizer and AstraZeneca to help us fight COVID-19. Throughout 2021 Australians will be able to be immunised, for free, if they want to.
Australian regulators and safety officials have also been monitoring very closely any side effects from the vaccines. This is why the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends the Pfizer vaccine as the preferred vaccine for Australians under the age of 50.
Depending on your age, health and location the vaccine will be available to you throughout the course of the year. It is voluntary to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and your doctor can help you find the information you need to be able to make an informed decision.
While COVID-19 continues to dominate the news, it's important that when looking for information about the virus and vaccinations you stick to reliable sources. The government has information available that can be accessed via their websites.
Flourish Australia also monitors the COVID-19 situation in Australia very closely, and is able to respond quickly to any changing circumstances. That's why we continue to ask you to practise COVID-safe behaviours. Wash your hands, sign-in to locations where you need to, and make sure you stay home and get tested if you feel sick.
Many of us may be feeling fairly resilient after the challenging year of 2020. However, the ongoing uncertainty can weigh on all of us, so if you have concerns please do reach out to friends, family or Flourish Australia. Support is available. Contact us today.
For more information about current COVID-19 restrictions, visit health.gov.au to get a national snapshot of what's happening.
You can find more information from each state here:
Victoria: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Queensland: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/novel-coronavirus-qld-clinicians
South Australia: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/conditions/infectious+diseases/covid-19/covid-19
Western Australia: https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/articles/a_e/coronavirus
Northern Territory: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/
Australian Capital Territory: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/
