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An update from Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, about the new Omicron variant of concern
![ATAGI update news item]()
An update from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) following their weekly meeting on 1 December 2021.
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The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has noted the emergence of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, which has been named the Omicron variant.
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Dr Steph Davis, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, answers the Top Three questions across our channels.
![Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HIV Awareness Week]()
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HIV Awareness Week (ATSIHAW) is held each year in the first week of December. Now in its 8th year, ATSIHAW has been making sure that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people know about the risks of HIV.
![The worst feeling I’ve ever had in my life]()
Michael held off on having the COVID-19 vaccine but catching the virus changed his mind. ‘I was very hesitant to get it. And then when I did get the virus, you know, there was no way that I wasn’t going to get vaccinated because as I said, it was the worst feeling that I’ve ever felt in my life.'
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Read the Prime Minister's statement about Australia’s COVID-19 response and the new Omicron strain.
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Find out what we know about Omicron, its severity and transmissibility, and how we are working to protect Australians.
![Top 3 COVID-19 vaccine questions – Omicron, COVID vaccine and male fertility, and unvaccinated at festivities]()
Dr Lucas De Toca, COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary, answers the top 3 questions across our channels.
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Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett's interview on Studio 10 on 30 November 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett's interview on the Today Show on 30 November 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett's interview on Sky News Live, First Edition on 30 November 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett's interview on Sunrise on 30 November 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Read the transcript of Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sonya Bennett's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 30 November 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
![Prime Minister's statement about a pause to further easing of border restrictions]()
Read the Prime Minister’s statement about temporarily pausing the planned easing of border restrictions.
![APS staff employee census news item]()
The Australian Public Service employee census report for 2021 has been released. Read more about the census and Health's results.
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COVID-19 vaccination information kiosks are now open in shopping centres and events in QLD to help you book a vaccination appointment.
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Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly's interview on Sunrise on 29 November 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly's interview on the Today Show on 29 November 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly's interview on ABC Radio National on 29 November 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly's interview on Sky News Live, First Edition on 29 November 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly's interview on Studio 10 on 29 November 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
![Default image]( "Default image")
Read the transcript of Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly's interview on ABC News Breakfast on 29 November 2021 about coronavirus (COVID-19).
![COVIDSafe]()
On the basis of medical advice provided by the Chief Medical Officer of Australia, Professor Paul Kelly, the Australian Government will implement additional border security measures as a precaution to protect Australians from the new Omicron variant of concern.
![Have your say on a proposed National Medicines Traceability Framework]()
We are about to open a consultation about a potential National Medicines Traceability Framework (NMTF) for PBS medicines. If you are an industry participant of the medicine supply chain in Australia, you can take part. Find out how you can get involved and make a submission.
Health portfolio news and events
For news and events from our portfolio agencies, go to Our portfolio for links to their websites.