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Australians urged to address falling vaccination rates

Australians urged to address falling vaccination rates

Perth Now07-06-2025
With a marked dip in immunisation rates for flu and COVID-19, Australians are being urged to get the jab before winter sets in.
Vaccine coverage for influenza sits at just 24.24 per cent nationally and 14 per cent for those under the age of 50.
The take-up of COVID boosters has also dropped away significantly in people aged 75 and over, falling from 38 per cent to 32 per cent in the past 12 months.
The Australian Medical Association says people need to prioritise conversations with their GP about vaccination against both conditions as well as the similarly widespread respiratory syncytial virus, especially those at greatest risk.Western Australia's RSV immunisation program has achieved a 57 per cent reduction in hospitalisations among infants, saving the state's health system up to $6.9 million in hospital costs.
AMA President Danielle McMullen says its success highlights the power of evidence-based prevention. "These results show what's possible when we get vaccination right, with more babies being kept out of hospital because their parents chose to protect them," she said on Saturday. "The timing could not be more critical with RSV cases climbing since the start of 2025 and children under five most at risk." Dr McMullen says the drop in COVID and flu jab rates is alarming."New COVID-19 strains continue to circulate leading to increased hospitalisations, making regular boosters essential for maintaining protection against severe illness," she said.
"We are particularly concerned by (influenza) vaccination rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, which have declined across all age groups." The national RSV prevention program offers free maternal immunisation and targeted infant protection, while annual influenza jabs provide strong protection, with more than 98 per cent of this year's circulating strains matching vaccine components."The evidence is clear, vaccines work," Dr McMullen said.
"But vaccines sitting in fridges don't save lives. We need people to pay attention, particularly parents of young children and older Australians."
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How COVID, flu, RSV are tracking this winter - and how to protect yourself
How COVID, flu, RSV are tracking this winter - and how to protect yourself

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  • The Advertiser

How COVID, flu, RSV are tracking this winter - and how to protect yourself

Winter is here, and with it come higher rates of respiratory illnesses. If you've been struck down recently with a sore throat, runny nose and a cough, or perhaps even a fever, you're not alone. Last week, non-urgent surgeries were paused in several Queensland hospitals due to a surge of influenza and COVID cases filling up hospital beds. Meanwhile, more than 200 aged care facilities around Australia are reportedly facing COVID outbreaks. So, just how bad are respiratory infections this year, and which viruses are causing the biggest problems? Until May, COVID case numbers were about half last year's level, but June's 32,348 notifications are closing the gap (compared with 45,634 in June 2024). That said, we know far fewer people test now than they did earlier in the pandemic, so these numbers are likely to be an underestimate. According to the latest Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report, Australia now appears to be emerging from a winter wave of COVID cases driven largely by the NB.1.8.1 subvariant, known as "Nimbus". Besides classic cold-like symptoms, this Omicron offshoot can reportedly cause particularly painful sore throats as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea. While some people who catch COVID have no symptoms or just mild ones, for many people the virus can be serious. Older adults and those with chronic health issues remain at greatest risk of experiencing severe illness and dying from COVID. Some 138 aged care residents have died from COVID since the beginning of June. The COVID booster currently available is based on the JN.1 subvariant. Nimbus is a direct descendant of JN.1 - as is another subvariant in circulation, XFG or "Stratus" - which means the vaccine should remain effective against current variants. Free boosters are available to most people annually, while those aged 75 and older are advised to get one every six months. Vaccination, as well as early treatment with antivirals, lowers the risk of severe illness and long COVID. People aged 70 and older, as well as younger people with certain risk factors, are eligible for antivirals if they test positive. The 2025 flu season has been unusually severe. From January to May, total case numbers were 30% higher than last year, increasing pressure on health systems. More recent case numbers seem to be trending lower than 2024, however we don't appear to have reached the peak yet. Flu symptoms are generally more severe than the common cold and may include high fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat and a runny or blocked nose. Most people recover in under a week, but the flu can be more severe (and even fatal) in groups including older people, young children and pregnant women. An annual vaccination is available for free to children aged 6 months to 4 years, pregnant women, those aged 65+, and other higher-risk groups. Queensland and Western Australia provide a free flu vaccine for all people aged 6 months and older, but in other states and territories, people not eligible for a free vaccine can pay (usually A$30 or less) to receive one. The third significant respiratory virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), only became a notifiable disease in 2021 (before this doctors didn't need to record infections, meaning data is sparse). Last year saw Australia's highest case numbers since RSV reporting began. By May, cases in 2025 were lower than 2024, but by June, they had caught up: 27,243 cases this June versus 26,596 in June 2024. However it looks as though we may have just passed the peak. RSV's symptoms are usually mild and cold-like, but it can cause serious illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Infants, older people, and people with chronic health conditions are among those at highest risk. In young children, RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation. A free vaccine is now available for pregnant women, protecting infants for up to six months. A monoclonal antibody (different to a vaccine but also given as an injection) is also available for at-risk children up to age two, especially if their mothers didn't receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy. For older adults, two RSV vaccines (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are available, with a single dose recommended for everyone aged 75+, those over 60 at higher risk due to medical conditions, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60+. Unfortunately, these are not currently subsidised and cost about $300. Protection lasts at least three years. While viruses including COVID, RSV and influenza dominate headlines, we often overlook one of the most widespread - the common cold. The common cold can be caused by more than 200 different viruses - mainly rhinoviruses but also some coronaviruses, adenoviruses and enteroviruses. Typical symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, headache, tiredness and sometimes a mild fever. Children get about 6-8 colds per year while adults average 2-4, and symptoms usually resolve in a week. Most recover with rest, fluids, and possibly over-the-counter medications. Because so many different viruses cause the common cold, and because these constantly mutate, developing a vaccine has been extremely challenging. Researchers continue to explore solutions, but a universal cold vaccine remains elusive. The precautions we learned during the COVID pandemic remain valid. These are all airborne viruses which can be spread by coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces. Practise good hygiene, teach children proper cough etiquette, wear a high-quality mask if you're at high risk, and stay home to rest if unwell. You can now buy rapid antigen tests (called panel tests) that test for influenza (A or B), COVID and RSV. So, if you're unwell with a respiratory infection, consider testing yourself at home. While many winter lurgies can be trivial, this is not always the case. We can all do our bit to reduce the impact. Winter is here, and with it come higher rates of respiratory illnesses. If you've been struck down recently with a sore throat, runny nose and a cough, or perhaps even a fever, you're not alone. Last week, non-urgent surgeries were paused in several Queensland hospitals due to a surge of influenza and COVID cases filling up hospital beds. Meanwhile, more than 200 aged care facilities around Australia are reportedly facing COVID outbreaks. So, just how bad are respiratory infections this year, and which viruses are causing the biggest problems? Until May, COVID case numbers were about half last year's level, but June's 32,348 notifications are closing the gap (compared with 45,634 in June 2024). That said, we know far fewer people test now than they did earlier in the pandemic, so these numbers are likely to be an underestimate. According to the latest Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report, Australia now appears to be emerging from a winter wave of COVID cases driven largely by the NB.1.8.1 subvariant, known as "Nimbus". Besides classic cold-like symptoms, this Omicron offshoot can reportedly cause particularly painful sore throats as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea. While some people who catch COVID have no symptoms or just mild ones, for many people the virus can be serious. Older adults and those with chronic health issues remain at greatest risk of experiencing severe illness and dying from COVID. Some 138 aged care residents have died from COVID since the beginning of June. The COVID booster currently available is based on the JN.1 subvariant. Nimbus is a direct descendant of JN.1 - as is another subvariant in circulation, XFG or "Stratus" - which means the vaccine should remain effective against current variants. Free boosters are available to most people annually, while those aged 75 and older are advised to get one every six months. Vaccination, as well as early treatment with antivirals, lowers the risk of severe illness and long COVID. People aged 70 and older, as well as younger people with certain risk factors, are eligible for antivirals if they test positive. The 2025 flu season has been unusually severe. From January to May, total case numbers were 30% higher than last year, increasing pressure on health systems. More recent case numbers seem to be trending lower than 2024, however we don't appear to have reached the peak yet. Flu symptoms are generally more severe than the common cold and may include high fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat and a runny or blocked nose. Most people recover in under a week, but the flu can be more severe (and even fatal) in groups including older people, young children and pregnant women. An annual vaccination is available for free to children aged 6 months to 4 years, pregnant women, those aged 65+, and other higher-risk groups. Queensland and Western Australia provide a free flu vaccine for all people aged 6 months and older, but in other states and territories, people not eligible for a free vaccine can pay (usually A$30 or less) to receive one. The third significant respiratory virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), only became a notifiable disease in 2021 (before this doctors didn't need to record infections, meaning data is sparse). Last year saw Australia's highest case numbers since RSV reporting began. By May, cases in 2025 were lower than 2024, but by June, they had caught up: 27,243 cases this June versus 26,596 in June 2024. However it looks as though we may have just passed the peak. RSV's symptoms are usually mild and cold-like, but it can cause serious illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Infants, older people, and people with chronic health conditions are among those at highest risk. In young children, RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation. A free vaccine is now available for pregnant women, protecting infants for up to six months. A monoclonal antibody (different to a vaccine but also given as an injection) is also available for at-risk children up to age two, especially if their mothers didn't receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy. For older adults, two RSV vaccines (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are available, with a single dose recommended for everyone aged 75+, those over 60 at higher risk due to medical conditions, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60+. Unfortunately, these are not currently subsidised and cost about $300. Protection lasts at least three years. While viruses including COVID, RSV and influenza dominate headlines, we often overlook one of the most widespread - the common cold. The common cold can be caused by more than 200 different viruses - mainly rhinoviruses but also some coronaviruses, adenoviruses and enteroviruses. Typical symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, headache, tiredness and sometimes a mild fever. Children get about 6-8 colds per year while adults average 2-4, and symptoms usually resolve in a week. Most recover with rest, fluids, and possibly over-the-counter medications. Because so many different viruses cause the common cold, and because these constantly mutate, developing a vaccine has been extremely challenging. Researchers continue to explore solutions, but a universal cold vaccine remains elusive. The precautions we learned during the COVID pandemic remain valid. These are all airborne viruses which can be spread by coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces. Practise good hygiene, teach children proper cough etiquette, wear a high-quality mask if you're at high risk, and stay home to rest if unwell. You can now buy rapid antigen tests (called panel tests) that test for influenza (A or B), COVID and RSV. So, if you're unwell with a respiratory infection, consider testing yourself at home. While many winter lurgies can be trivial, this is not always the case. We can all do our bit to reduce the impact. Winter is here, and with it come higher rates of respiratory illnesses. If you've been struck down recently with a sore throat, runny nose and a cough, or perhaps even a fever, you're not alone. Last week, non-urgent surgeries were paused in several Queensland hospitals due to a surge of influenza and COVID cases filling up hospital beds. Meanwhile, more than 200 aged care facilities around Australia are reportedly facing COVID outbreaks. So, just how bad are respiratory infections this year, and which viruses are causing the biggest problems? Until May, COVID case numbers were about half last year's level, but June's 32,348 notifications are closing the gap (compared with 45,634 in June 2024). That said, we know far fewer people test now than they did earlier in the pandemic, so these numbers are likely to be an underestimate. According to the latest Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report, Australia now appears to be emerging from a winter wave of COVID cases driven largely by the NB.1.8.1 subvariant, known as "Nimbus". Besides classic cold-like symptoms, this Omicron offshoot can reportedly cause particularly painful sore throats as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea. While some people who catch COVID have no symptoms or just mild ones, for many people the virus can be serious. Older adults and those with chronic health issues remain at greatest risk of experiencing severe illness and dying from COVID. Some 138 aged care residents have died from COVID since the beginning of June. The COVID booster currently available is based on the JN.1 subvariant. Nimbus is a direct descendant of JN.1 - as is another subvariant in circulation, XFG or "Stratus" - which means the vaccine should remain effective against current variants. Free boosters are available to most people annually, while those aged 75 and older are advised to get one every six months. Vaccination, as well as early treatment with antivirals, lowers the risk of severe illness and long COVID. People aged 70 and older, as well as younger people with certain risk factors, are eligible for antivirals if they test positive. The 2025 flu season has been unusually severe. From January to May, total case numbers were 30% higher than last year, increasing pressure on health systems. More recent case numbers seem to be trending lower than 2024, however we don't appear to have reached the peak yet. Flu symptoms are generally more severe than the common cold and may include high fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat and a runny or blocked nose. Most people recover in under a week, but the flu can be more severe (and even fatal) in groups including older people, young children and pregnant women. An annual vaccination is available for free to children aged 6 months to 4 years, pregnant women, those aged 65+, and other higher-risk groups. Queensland and Western Australia provide a free flu vaccine for all people aged 6 months and older, but in other states and territories, people not eligible for a free vaccine can pay (usually A$30 or less) to receive one. The third significant respiratory virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), only became a notifiable disease in 2021 (before this doctors didn't need to record infections, meaning data is sparse). Last year saw Australia's highest case numbers since RSV reporting began. By May, cases in 2025 were lower than 2024, but by June, they had caught up: 27,243 cases this June versus 26,596 in June 2024. However it looks as though we may have just passed the peak. RSV's symptoms are usually mild and cold-like, but it can cause serious illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Infants, older people, and people with chronic health conditions are among those at highest risk. In young children, RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation. A free vaccine is now available for pregnant women, protecting infants for up to six months. A monoclonal antibody (different to a vaccine but also given as an injection) is also available for at-risk children up to age two, especially if their mothers didn't receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy. For older adults, two RSV vaccines (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are available, with a single dose recommended for everyone aged 75+, those over 60 at higher risk due to medical conditions, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60+. Unfortunately, these are not currently subsidised and cost about $300. Protection lasts at least three years. While viruses including COVID, RSV and influenza dominate headlines, we often overlook one of the most widespread - the common cold. The common cold can be caused by more than 200 different viruses - mainly rhinoviruses but also some coronaviruses, adenoviruses and enteroviruses. Typical symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, headache, tiredness and sometimes a mild fever. Children get about 6-8 colds per year while adults average 2-4, and symptoms usually resolve in a week. Most recover with rest, fluids, and possibly over-the-counter medications. Because so many different viruses cause the common cold, and because these constantly mutate, developing a vaccine has been extremely challenging. Researchers continue to explore solutions, but a universal cold vaccine remains elusive. The precautions we learned during the COVID pandemic remain valid. These are all airborne viruses which can be spread by coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces. Practise good hygiene, teach children proper cough etiquette, wear a high-quality mask if you're at high risk, and stay home to rest if unwell. You can now buy rapid antigen tests (called panel tests) that test for influenza (A or B), COVID and RSV. So, if you're unwell with a respiratory infection, consider testing yourself at home. While many winter lurgies can be trivial, this is not always the case. We can all do our bit to reduce the impact. Winter is here, and with it come higher rates of respiratory illnesses. If you've been struck down recently with a sore throat, runny nose and a cough, or perhaps even a fever, you're not alone. Last week, non-urgent surgeries were paused in several Queensland hospitals due to a surge of influenza and COVID cases filling up hospital beds. Meanwhile, more than 200 aged care facilities around Australia are reportedly facing COVID outbreaks. So, just how bad are respiratory infections this year, and which viruses are causing the biggest problems? Until May, COVID case numbers were about half last year's level, but June's 32,348 notifications are closing the gap (compared with 45,634 in June 2024). That said, we know far fewer people test now than they did earlier in the pandemic, so these numbers are likely to be an underestimate. According to the latest Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report, Australia now appears to be emerging from a winter wave of COVID cases driven largely by the NB.1.8.1 subvariant, known as "Nimbus". Besides classic cold-like symptoms, this Omicron offshoot can reportedly cause particularly painful sore throats as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea. While some people who catch COVID have no symptoms or just mild ones, for many people the virus can be serious. Older adults and those with chronic health issues remain at greatest risk of experiencing severe illness and dying from COVID. Some 138 aged care residents have died from COVID since the beginning of June. The COVID booster currently available is based on the JN.1 subvariant. Nimbus is a direct descendant of JN.1 - as is another subvariant in circulation, XFG or "Stratus" - which means the vaccine should remain effective against current variants. Free boosters are available to most people annually, while those aged 75 and older are advised to get one every six months. Vaccination, as well as early treatment with antivirals, lowers the risk of severe illness and long COVID. People aged 70 and older, as well as younger people with certain risk factors, are eligible for antivirals if they test positive. The 2025 flu season has been unusually severe. From January to May, total case numbers were 30% higher than last year, increasing pressure on health systems. More recent case numbers seem to be trending lower than 2024, however we don't appear to have reached the peak yet. Flu symptoms are generally more severe than the common cold and may include high fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat and a runny or blocked nose. Most people recover in under a week, but the flu can be more severe (and even fatal) in groups including older people, young children and pregnant women. An annual vaccination is available for free to children aged 6 months to 4 years, pregnant women, those aged 65+, and other higher-risk groups. Queensland and Western Australia provide a free flu vaccine for all people aged 6 months and older, but in other states and territories, people not eligible for a free vaccine can pay (usually A$30 or less) to receive one. The third significant respiratory virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), only became a notifiable disease in 2021 (before this doctors didn't need to record infections, meaning data is sparse). Last year saw Australia's highest case numbers since RSV reporting began. By May, cases in 2025 were lower than 2024, but by June, they had caught up: 27,243 cases this June versus 26,596 in June 2024. However it looks as though we may have just passed the peak. RSV's symptoms are usually mild and cold-like, but it can cause serious illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Infants, older people, and people with chronic health conditions are among those at highest risk. In young children, RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation. A free vaccine is now available for pregnant women, protecting infants for up to six months. A monoclonal antibody (different to a vaccine but also given as an injection) is also available for at-risk children up to age two, especially if their mothers didn't receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy. For older adults, two RSV vaccines (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are available, with a single dose recommended for everyone aged 75+, those over 60 at higher risk due to medical conditions, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60+. Unfortunately, these are not currently subsidised and cost about $300. Protection lasts at least three years. While viruses including COVID, RSV and influenza dominate headlines, we often overlook one of the most widespread - the common cold. The common cold can be caused by more than 200 different viruses - mainly rhinoviruses but also some coronaviruses, adenoviruses and enteroviruses. Typical symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, headache, tiredness and sometimes a mild fever. Children get about 6-8 colds per year while adults average 2-4, and symptoms usually resolve in a week. Most recover with rest, fluids, and possibly over-the-counter medications. Because so many different viruses cause the common cold, and because these constantly mutate, developing a vaccine has been extremely challenging. Researchers continue to explore solutions, but a universal cold vaccine remains elusive. The precautions we learned during the COVID pandemic remain valid. These are all airborne viruses which can be spread by coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces. Practise good hygiene, teach children proper cough etiquette, wear a high-quality mask if you're at high risk, and stay home to rest if unwell. You can now buy rapid antigen tests (called panel tests) that test for influenza (A or B), COVID and RSV. So, if you're unwell with a respiratory infection, consider testing yourself at home. While many winter lurgies can be trivial, this is not always the case. We can all do our bit to reduce the impact.

Vaping attitudes changing, but addiction lingers for some
Vaping attitudes changing, but addiction lingers for some

The Advertiser

time6 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

Vaping attitudes changing, but addiction lingers for some

Ben, not his real name, did not think that trying a vape as a teenager would lead to years of fighting a nicotine addiction. "I wish I'd never had nicotine, it's like a door and once you open it, you can't close it. It's always in the back of your mind," Ben, now aged 20, said. The university student said he was never warned about the health impacts of e-cigarettes, which Cancer Council ACT says include delayed brain development, seizures, poisoning, insomnia and mood changes. University of Sydney research, funded by Cancer Council, said while vaping increased rapidly among young people from 2019, that trend may be slowing or even reversing. The federal government banned the import of disposable vapes in 2024. It is only legal to buy low-dose nicotine e-cigarettes from a pharmacy. Cancer Council ACT said, "data from the ACT General Health Survey tells us that around two-thirds of young people have tried vaping, but over one in three are either not taking it up, or have already quit". While vapes are still sold illegally by many Canberra shopfronts, including tobacconists, bottle shops, convenience stores, petrol stations and news agencies, their reputation among young people may be changing. "Vapes have a bad rep," Ben said. "There's a big stereotype on people who use vapes that you're weird or that you're childish." Generation Vape study lead author Associate Professor Becky Freeman said most young Australians have never used nicotine products. "We're increasingly hearing young people saying that they're embarrassed that they vape, they don't want to be vaping, and the realities of addiction are beginning to rear their heads," Dr Freeman said. Health authorities are concerned that e-cigarettes are a gateway to tobacco. Ben said people switch from vapes to cigarettes because they have to smoke them less frequently. A July 2025 Generation Vape report said fewer Australian teens, aged 14 to 17, were smoking. Only 6 per cent had tried a cigarette. 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Dr Freeman claimed the pouches were another marketing ploy by Big Tobacco to addict young people. "There is no evidence that pouches are an effective way to quit smoking or vaping. We do have lots of other evidence-based ways to help people quit," she said. Ben said he has about eight 20mg pouches a day, which is eight times stronger than the strongest vape bought legally and without a prescription. Only 2 per cent of 14 to 17-year-olds surveyed for the latest Generation Vape report said they had tried a pouch. Ben, who graduated in 2023, wishes the private high school he attended in the ACT had taught him that vaping, not just smoking cigarettes, was unhealthy. "They didn't advocate against it," he said. "They just said, 'If you do it and we catch you, you're f---ed, don't do it at school'. There was no message about health." Cancer Council ACT said their research suggested smoking and vaping education was a bigger focus for Canberra schools in 2025 than in 2023. The Association of Independent Schools of the ACT said education around alcohol and other drugs is a key part of the Australian curriculum, which all schools follow. Ben, not his real name, did not think that trying a vape as a teenager would lead to years of fighting a nicotine addiction. "I wish I'd never had nicotine, it's like a door and once you open it, you can't close it. It's always in the back of your mind," Ben, now aged 20, said. The university student said he was never warned about the health impacts of e-cigarettes, which Cancer Council ACT says include delayed brain development, seizures, poisoning, insomnia and mood changes. University of Sydney research, funded by Cancer Council, said while vaping increased rapidly among young people from 2019, that trend may be slowing or even reversing. The federal government banned the import of disposable vapes in 2024. It is only legal to buy low-dose nicotine e-cigarettes from a pharmacy. Cancer Council ACT said, "data from the ACT General Health Survey tells us that around two-thirds of young people have tried vaping, but over one in three are either not taking it up, or have already quit". While vapes are still sold illegally by many Canberra shopfronts, including tobacconists, bottle shops, convenience stores, petrol stations and news agencies, their reputation among young people may be changing. "Vapes have a bad rep," Ben said. "There's a big stereotype on people who use vapes that you're weird or that you're childish." Generation Vape study lead author Associate Professor Becky Freeman said most young Australians have never used nicotine products. "We're increasingly hearing young people saying that they're embarrassed that they vape, they don't want to be vaping, and the realities of addiction are beginning to rear their heads," Dr Freeman said. Health authorities are concerned that e-cigarettes are a gateway to tobacco. Ben said people switch from vapes to cigarettes because they have to smoke them less frequently. A July 2025 Generation Vape report said fewer Australian teens, aged 14 to 17, were smoking. Only 6 per cent had tried a cigarette. Now Ben and his mates have ditched vapes in favour of nicotine pouches, also referred to as Zyns (a popular brand) or upperdeckies. They are similar to snus, but do not contain tobacco and come in flavours like cherry, mint, citrus, coffee and cola. "It was a lot better for me because there was no smoke involved, it was just nicotine," Ben said. "It's the cheaper and safest way." Cancer Council said 950 per cent more pouches were seized at the Australian border in 2023 than in the previous two years. "Nicotine pouches usually contain very high levels of nicotine. Alongside damage to the mouth, they are mostly linked to the symptoms of excessive nicotine use," Cancer Council ACT said. "For young people, nicotine changes the way the brain matures, and can affect learning, memory, and attention long term, as well as making young people more susceptible to other drugs of addiction later in life." Dr Freeman claimed the pouches were another marketing ploy by Big Tobacco to addict young people. "There is no evidence that pouches are an effective way to quit smoking or vaping. We do have lots of other evidence-based ways to help people quit," she said. Ben said he has about eight 20mg pouches a day, which is eight times stronger than the strongest vape bought legally and without a prescription. Only 2 per cent of 14 to 17-year-olds surveyed for the latest Generation Vape report said they had tried a pouch. Ben, who graduated in 2023, wishes the private high school he attended in the ACT had taught him that vaping, not just smoking cigarettes, was unhealthy. "They didn't advocate against it," he said. "They just said, 'If you do it and we catch you, you're f---ed, don't do it at school'. There was no message about health." Cancer Council ACT said their research suggested smoking and vaping education was a bigger focus for Canberra schools in 2025 than in 2023. The Association of Independent Schools of the ACT said education around alcohol and other drugs is a key part of the Australian curriculum, which all schools follow. Ben, not his real name, did not think that trying a vape as a teenager would lead to years of fighting a nicotine addiction. "I wish I'd never had nicotine, it's like a door and once you open it, you can't close it. It's always in the back of your mind," Ben, now aged 20, said. The university student said he was never warned about the health impacts of e-cigarettes, which Cancer Council ACT says include delayed brain development, seizures, poisoning, insomnia and mood changes. University of Sydney research, funded by Cancer Council, said while vaping increased rapidly among young people from 2019, that trend may be slowing or even reversing. The federal government banned the import of disposable vapes in 2024. It is only legal to buy low-dose nicotine e-cigarettes from a pharmacy. Cancer Council ACT said, "data from the ACT General Health Survey tells us that around two-thirds of young people have tried vaping, but over one in three are either not taking it up, or have already quit". While vapes are still sold illegally by many Canberra shopfronts, including tobacconists, bottle shops, convenience stores, petrol stations and news agencies, their reputation among young people may be changing. "Vapes have a bad rep," Ben said. "There's a big stereotype on people who use vapes that you're weird or that you're childish." Generation Vape study lead author Associate Professor Becky Freeman said most young Australians have never used nicotine products. "We're increasingly hearing young people saying that they're embarrassed that they vape, they don't want to be vaping, and the realities of addiction are beginning to rear their heads," Dr Freeman said. Health authorities are concerned that e-cigarettes are a gateway to tobacco. Ben said people switch from vapes to cigarettes because they have to smoke them less frequently. A July 2025 Generation Vape report said fewer Australian teens, aged 14 to 17, were smoking. Only 6 per cent had tried a cigarette. Now Ben and his mates have ditched vapes in favour of nicotine pouches, also referred to as Zyns (a popular brand) or upperdeckies. They are similar to snus, but do not contain tobacco and come in flavours like cherry, mint, citrus, coffee and cola. "It was a lot better for me because there was no smoke involved, it was just nicotine," Ben said. "It's the cheaper and safest way." Cancer Council said 950 per cent more pouches were seized at the Australian border in 2023 than in the previous two years. "Nicotine pouches usually contain very high levels of nicotine. Alongside damage to the mouth, they are mostly linked to the symptoms of excessive nicotine use," Cancer Council ACT said. "For young people, nicotine changes the way the brain matures, and can affect learning, memory, and attention long term, as well as making young people more susceptible to other drugs of addiction later in life." Dr Freeman claimed the pouches were another marketing ploy by Big Tobacco to addict young people. "There is no evidence that pouches are an effective way to quit smoking or vaping. We do have lots of other evidence-based ways to help people quit," she said. Ben said he has about eight 20mg pouches a day, which is eight times stronger than the strongest vape bought legally and without a prescription. Only 2 per cent of 14 to 17-year-olds surveyed for the latest Generation Vape report said they had tried a pouch. Ben, who graduated in 2023, wishes the private high school he attended in the ACT had taught him that vaping, not just smoking cigarettes, was unhealthy. "They didn't advocate against it," he said. "They just said, 'If you do it and we catch you, you're f---ed, don't do it at school'. There was no message about health." Cancer Council ACT said their research suggested smoking and vaping education was a bigger focus for Canberra schools in 2025 than in 2023. The Association of Independent Schools of the ACT said education around alcohol and other drugs is a key part of the Australian curriculum, which all schools follow. Ben, not his real name, did not think that trying a vape as a teenager would lead to years of fighting a nicotine addiction. "I wish I'd never had nicotine, it's like a door and once you open it, you can't close it. It's always in the back of your mind," Ben, now aged 20, said. The university student said he was never warned about the health impacts of e-cigarettes, which Cancer Council ACT says include delayed brain development, seizures, poisoning, insomnia and mood changes. University of Sydney research, funded by Cancer Council, said while vaping increased rapidly among young people from 2019, that trend may be slowing or even reversing. The federal government banned the import of disposable vapes in 2024. It is only legal to buy low-dose nicotine e-cigarettes from a pharmacy. Cancer Council ACT said, "data from the ACT General Health Survey tells us that around two-thirds of young people have tried vaping, but over one in three are either not taking it up, or have already quit". While vapes are still sold illegally by many Canberra shopfronts, including tobacconists, bottle shops, convenience stores, petrol stations and news agencies, their reputation among young people may be changing. "Vapes have a bad rep," Ben said. "There's a big stereotype on people who use vapes that you're weird or that you're childish." Generation Vape study lead author Associate Professor Becky Freeman said most young Australians have never used nicotine products. "We're increasingly hearing young people saying that they're embarrassed that they vape, they don't want to be vaping, and the realities of addiction are beginning to rear their heads," Dr Freeman said. Health authorities are concerned that e-cigarettes are a gateway to tobacco. Ben said people switch from vapes to cigarettes because they have to smoke them less frequently. A July 2025 Generation Vape report said fewer Australian teens, aged 14 to 17, were smoking. Only 6 per cent had tried a cigarette. Now Ben and his mates have ditched vapes in favour of nicotine pouches, also referred to as Zyns (a popular brand) or upperdeckies. They are similar to snus, but do not contain tobacco and come in flavours like cherry, mint, citrus, coffee and cola. "It was a lot better for me because there was no smoke involved, it was just nicotine," Ben said. "It's the cheaper and safest way." Cancer Council said 950 per cent more pouches were seized at the Australian border in 2023 than in the previous two years. "Nicotine pouches usually contain very high levels of nicotine. Alongside damage to the mouth, they are mostly linked to the symptoms of excessive nicotine use," Cancer Council ACT said. "For young people, nicotine changes the way the brain matures, and can affect learning, memory, and attention long term, as well as making young people more susceptible to other drugs of addiction later in life." Dr Freeman claimed the pouches were another marketing ploy by Big Tobacco to addict young people. "There is no evidence that pouches are an effective way to quit smoking or vaping. We do have lots of other evidence-based ways to help people quit," she said. Ben said he has about eight 20mg pouches a day, which is eight times stronger than the strongest vape bought legally and without a prescription. Only 2 per cent of 14 to 17-year-olds surveyed for the latest Generation Vape report said they had tried a pouch. Ben, who graduated in 2023, wishes the private high school he attended in the ACT had taught him that vaping, not just smoking cigarettes, was unhealthy. "They didn't advocate against it," he said. "They just said, 'If you do it and we catch you, you're f---ed, don't do it at school'. There was no message about health." Cancer Council ACT said their research suggested smoking and vaping education was a bigger focus for Canberra schools in 2025 than in 2023. The Association of Independent Schools of the ACT said education around alcohol and other drugs is a key part of the Australian curriculum, which all schools follow.

Hundreds of aged care facilities facing COVID-19 outbreaks amid renewed vaccination calls
Hundreds of aged care facilities facing COVID-19 outbreaks amid renewed vaccination calls

ABC News

time14 hours ago

  • ABC News

Hundreds of aged care facilities facing COVID-19 outbreaks amid renewed vaccination calls

Dozens of aged care residents are dying of COVID each week as facilities grapple with more than 240 outbreaks nationwide. Outbreak numbers have been steadily rising since late May, according to federal data. It reached a peak of more than 300 outbreaks, 1,752 affected residents and 34 deaths in the final week of June, according to health officials. However, a spokesperson for the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing said cases were now in decline. "[The] peak outbreak and case numbers recorded this year is lower than in previous years," they told the ABC. "On 11 April 2025, the Chief Medical Officer and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner wrote to all aged care provider Board Chairs regarding expectations around staff and resident vaccinations and preventing and managing outbreaks. "The [department] contacted all providers of aged care homes prior to the winter season to remind them of the current vaccination recommendations and to seek assurance they have plans to vaccinate their residence." Lagging vaccination rates, community complacency and "damaging" misinformation were all contributing to climbing cases, experts told the ABC. The number of outbreaks throughout Australian aged care facilities reached a low of 57 active outbreaks nationwide in early April. Numbers then began to steadily increase with each passing week before reaching their June high point. As of July 11, there were 241 active outbreaks, with 1,159 residents and 438 staff testing positive for the virus. There have been 138 resident deaths since the beginning of June. Aged Care chair at the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP), Anthony Marinucci, said there were always "seasonal waves". "That's normally hand in hand with new variants of the disease," he said. "There is certainly lower booster uptake and waning community [vaccination rates] … There's also been a relaxation of precautions and higher exposure in aged care facilities. "During the actual COVID period, aged care restrictions were super, super tight, but now there is much higher community visitation [to] aged care. "The relaxing of precautions on one hand is very good for the mental health of people living in aged care, but it certainly does increase their potential to viral illnesses." He added it was "the very nature of aged care" which made it more prone to outbreaks. "It's a shared space, which often makes containment very difficult. So the facilities themselves can lead to higher outbreaks." In dozens of facilities, less than 10 per cent of residents had received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the last six months, according to data from the Australian Immunisation Register. The department spokesperson told the ABC it was working with facilities to boost vaccination numbers nationally. "Vaccination remains the most important measure to protect against severe disease … particularly in high-risk settings such as residential aged care," they said. "To further ensure boosters are being prioritised … the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission continues to make unannounced site visits across the country with a focus on providers with the lowest vaccination rates." Vaccinating aged care residents came with its own set of hurdles, experts told the ABC. Cognitive decline meant that, for some residents, a family member needed to consent to the vaccination first. University of New South Wales professor of Global Biosecurity Raina MacIntyre said it was concerning to see "highest risk" settings, such as aged care, lagging in vaccine booster rates. "And older people in aged care have the same right. "Aged care houses a lot of people with dementia [and] many facilities are almost 100 per cent dementia residents. "So you have to get next of kin consent for vaccination. Therefore, we need material for education of family and loved ones who are making decisions for their relatives." RACGP's president, Michael Wright, said health officials have known "since the beginning of the pandemic" that older patients were more at risk. "It's true there are often additional challenges to vaccinating in aged care, but it's literally vital to keep residents' immunity up, as that fades over time," Dr Wright said. He added the college was calling on operators to boost vaccination "as a matter of priority". "Where aged care GPs and other health workers have identified barriers, aged care operators should do everything possible ot increase vaccination coverage among these vulnerable patients. "That goes for other age groups, too, though. COVID can still cause serious harm, including chronic conditions like long COVID. Many Australians now think of COVID-19 as "just a flu", according to Professor MacIntyre. "It's not a cold, it's a really serious virus," she said. "There's an increased risk of cognitive damage [and] dementia as well with COVID. Up to a year, maybe even up to three years after one infection, your risk of heart attacks and strokes doubles, at least. "So, it causes these terrible complications, including long COVID, which is quite a debilitating condition. "It is a serious infection, and it's worth preventing it." Dr Marinucci said it was difficult to balance the psychological and physical risks when it came to protecting aged care residents. "I think that the assumption is … 'We've been through this before and we were okay, and we'll get through it again,'" he said. "But complacency can be very dangerous. "All respiratory illnesses can cause significant morbidity and mortality in a broader population. Aged care residents are a vulnerable population, there's no doubt about that. "It's not just [the] reduced immunisation, but overall that increased community visitation. "I've heard anecdotally where people have sort of said, 'Oh, I've got a sniffle, but I'll go see Mum and Dad,' whereas a few years ago, they absolutely … would have stayed away. "But on the flip side of that, I've also seen the psychological impact of lockdowns in aged care, and they were very, very significant. "So I think there has to be a precautionary balance." COVID-19 vaccines are free for all Australians, and the influenza vaccine is free for everyone aged over 65.

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