News and resources

Omicron variant

The variant has been given the name Omicron. Omicron is a highly divergent variant with a high number of mutations, but many things about the Omicron are still unknown.

The main uncertainties are: how transmissible the variant is, how well vaccines protect against infection from the variant, and if the variant presents with a different severity profile. Public health advice is based on current information and will be tailored as more evidence emergences around those key questions.

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No change to COVID-19 booster program for Omicron

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has noted the emergence of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern, the Omicron variant.

At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest that earlier booster doses of current COVID-19 vaccines will augment protection against the Omicron variant.

ATAGI will continue to closely monitor the epidemiology and emerging data on the likely impact of vaccination on this variant and update recommendations in the near future.

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Workers in a healthcare setting (COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements) Direction

To protect the health of Queenslanders, any worker in healthcare who enters, works in or performs services in a healthcare setting must have the prescribed doses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by 15 December 2021.

This direction applies to any healthcare facility or setting where healthcare is provided (including disability support services), specifically:

• Not for profit health organisations providing public healthcare under a service agreement with any State or Commonwealth agency, including an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service.

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