New boosters protect against the original COVID strain as well as Omicron. In future, we might see variant-proof vaccines or those delivered in the nose or mouth.
Queensland is removing the requirement to be vaccinated before entering cafes, pubs, galleries and other public spaces. But this could affect public attitudes about the importance of vaccination.
Studies show long COVID is common enough to be a major public-health threat. It can damage the brain and other organs and may remain silent during childhood but cause chronic disease in later life.
Without genome sequencing, we would be blind to new variants of COVID-19. As Omicron surges in New Zealand, the sequencing focus is shifting to learning about what causes severe or long-term disease.
Cari van Schalkwyk, South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling & Analysis (SACEMA) ; Harry Moultrie, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, and Juliet Pulliam, South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling & Analysis (SACEMA)
At this stage, we cannot say anything about the severity of cases with Omicron - either in primary or reinfections.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available for children aged 5-11 from January 10, after it cleared the final regulatory step. Here’s what you need to know.
Australia’s regulator has approved the Pfizer COVID vaccine for 5-11 year olds, with the rollout expected to start on January 10. Here’s how to prepare your child if they’re fearful of needles.
Barcodes containing verifiable information could make our lives easier and provide safe access to buildings or online services. But a global effort will be necessary to make them completely secure.
Research Professor and DST/NRF SARChI Chair of Virus-Host Dynamics, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, CAPRISA Research Associate, University of the Witwatersrand