Thursday 7 July 2022 04:09 AM Millions of Australians are told to get fourth Covid shot huge change to ... trends now
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The fourth Covid jab has been approved for all Australians aged over 30 as the nation's health experts rush to ease the strain on overcrowded hospitals.
The new wave of BA4 and BA5 subvariants are ripping through Australia due to high transmissibility, with early data suggesting the strains have evolved to evade the existing vaccines and acquired immunity.
On Thursday, there were 3,921 people with COVID-19 in hospitals across the country, still below the 5,000-plus around the Australia Day peak of Omicron, but an increase of 24 per cent since mid-May.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group (ATAGI) on Thursday announced Australians over the age of 50 should receive their fourth jab, with the 50-64 age group 'specifically recommended' from Monday July 11.
Aussies aged between 30 and 49 will also eligible for the fourth jab if they 'choose'.
There were 3,781 people in hospital with Covid on Wednesday - the highest Australia has seen since the height Omicron wave in February
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said the move
