Yet another new COVID booster has recently been approved by the TGA. Here’s what to know about the JN.1 shot.
- Professor, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle
‘FLuQE’ is a direct descendant of the earlier ‘FLiRT’ variants. But an additional mutation could make it more of a worry.
You might not know you’ve had it. Or perhaps your immune system or genes have given you a boost. Or maybe you’re just lucky.
As the virus that causes COVID evolves, keeping up with it remains a challenge for variant-specific vaccines. The booster you can get now is the best one to get.
Flu vaccinations protect against four subtypes of influenza. But we don’t know what subtypes will circulate this flu season.
COVID cases are predicted to rise as we face another variant. So a 4th shot to top up our immunity is looking more likely as we head into winter.
Emerging evidence suggests the highly infectious Omicron variant has the ability to escape the protection two vaccine doses offer.
There’s not enough evidence yet to support the AstraZeneca CEO’s statement. But it is theoretically plausible.
‘Breakthrough’ infections can happen because of waning immunity or high viral doses. But our vaccines are still excellent at preventing severe disease and death.
Weeks do matter when it comes to the Delta strain. With Australia still heavily reliant on the AstraZeneca vaccine, for now it makes sense to reduce the time between the first and second jab.
It’s OK to wait longer than three weeks between Pfizer doses, and this may even provide stronger protection. But this must be weighed against the risk of contracting COVID in the meantime.
The TGA has reported a handful of cases of the autoimmune disorder Guillain-Barré syndrome following the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Our best long-term strategy is to rely on the mRNA vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna.
All vaccines and medications come with risks. But the risks of delaying vaccination are far higher.
Yes, this news is disappointing - but it’s also no great surprise given how quickly this virus mutates. And it doesn’t yet mean Australia should bin its plan to use the AstraZeneca vaccine.
We have limited information about the reported deaths of 30 elderly people in Norway who had received the Pfizer COVID vaccine. Here’s what we do know.
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