The Australian PM recently announced adults of all ages would be eligible to get the AstraZeneca vaccine, despite conflicting health advice
Australia’s government has made the AstraZeneca vaccine available to people under 60. While the Federal government has announced the change, under 40s won’t be able to book for a few days while the system is updated.
AstraZeneca is the country’s preferred vaccine for people over 60 based on the health advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation.
The ATAGI says for those aged 60 and above, the benefits of preventing COVID-19 with the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh the risk of TTS. Also, people who have already been vaccinated with their first dose should proceed with their second, even if they’re younger than 60.
However, there are some rare but serious complications for vaccinated young people. So, what are these potential complications? And do they outweigh the risks of contracting Covid?
“If you wish to get the AstraZeneca vaccine, then we would encourage you to go and have that discussion with your GP.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison
Head of the COVID-19 Vaccine Taskforce, Lieutenant General John Frewen, told Nine they were working to update the booking system now.
“We’ll be onto it as quickly as we can, and I really think people should be able to start making arrangements, you know, in the days ahead, and in the next couple of weeks I hope to see the effect of these new policies,” he said.
Talk to your GP about potential health risks
President of the Australian Medical Association Dr Omar Khorshid said people should speak to their GP about the risks of AstraZeneca.
“GPs are in the best position to assess risk and talk to patients about vaccines.
“Any Australians under the age of 60 wanting to have AstraZeneca, talk to your GP who can advise on the risks as outlined by ATAGI and in relation to their own health.
What are the chances of getting a blood clot from AstraZeneca?
Medical professionals have linked the AstraZeneca vaccine to a blood clotting disorder called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).
TTS is extremely rare and treatable. It’s likely to occur with the first dose of AstraZeneca. However, the rate of clotting incidents is low.
TSS symptoms can include a severe headache that doesn’t go away, abdominal pain, blurred vision, and leg pain or swelling. They appear four to 30 days after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine, with a peak time of six to 14 days.
In Australia, the mortality rate for TTS is about 4 percent, which is about a 1 in a 2 million chance of death.
This is about the same likelihood of being killed by lighting.
For people aged under 50, there have been 3.1 cases of clotting per 100,000 first doses. Medical professionals can treat the condition with blood-thinning medication.
Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.
Cyber security evolution prompts redefinition of critical infrastructure in Asia Pacific amid rising digital threats.
In Short:
– Cyber security incidents in Asia Pacific redefine critical infrastructure, expanding its scope beyond just industrial machinery.
– New strategies emphasise visibility to protect crucial sectors like banking, finance, and telecommunications from cyber threats.
The rise in cyber security incidents in Asia Pacific is reshaping the definition and protection of critical infrastructure. New digital and operational technology risks are prompting stakeholders to reconsider conventional beliefs that critical infrastructure is primarily industrial machinery behind high fences.
Michael Fisher from Garland Technology discusses this evolving landscape. Critical infrastructure now encompasses essential services such as banking, finance, and telecommunications, expanding beyond traditional definitions.
The convergence of IT and operational technology (OT) networks increases cyber security risks. Many OT services were not designed with cyber security in mind, leaving them vulnerable to cyber attacks. Industries most at risk include telecommunications, banking, finance, and utilities, where any disruption can significantly impact society.
Increased Visibility
Fisher highlights that traditional cyber security alone is insufficient to secure these infrastructures. Effective protection requires a new approach focused on visibility. Garland Technology’s mission is to provide visibility to upstream cyber security platforms, eliminating blind spots.
Governments and businesses must recognise their roles in combatting cyber threats. Australia’s Security of Critical Infrastructure Act is a step towards increasing corporate responsibility in recognising critical infrastructure and ensuring compliance with security measures.
In Short:
– Trump gives Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, warning of consequences.
– Hamas calls the plan biased and insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal before considering any agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump has given Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza, warning of severe consequences if they reject it.The plan, shared by mediators Qatar and Egypt, emerged after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed it during a visit to the White House. Hamas, which was not part of the talks, is expected to review the proposal that calls for disarmament, a previously rejected demand.
Trump stated that support for the plan came from both Israeli and Arab leaders, and he emphasised the need for Hamas to respond promptly. The proposal includes a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and disarmament of Hamas, along with a transitional government.
A Hamas source described the plan as biased towards Israel and containing unacceptable conditions.
The group maintains that a complete Israeli withdrawal is a prerequisite for their agreement to any deal, while they are unwilling to disarm.
Pressure Mounts
Hamas faces significant pressure as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt have supported the initiative. Turkey’s intelligence head is also set to join discussions in Doha, marking a new level of mediation.
Despite expressing initial support, Netanyahu is cautious about the plan’s implications for Palestinian statehood and faces pressure from his coalition. Public sentiment in Gaza reflects a desire for peace, albeit with scepticism about the sincerity of both Trump and Netanyahu’s commitments.