Dan Andrews has flagged major changes to the definition of “fully vaccinated” in Australia ahead of a national cabinet meeting.
The definition of what it means to be “fully vaccinated” could be set to change with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews indicating a national cabinet decision could be imminent.
Australians wanting to be considered fully vaccinated would be required to have the booster shot of the Covid-19 vaccine, making it three jabs in total.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of national cabinet on Thursday, the Premier said the third shot was critical.
“This is not a two-dose thing (or) two doses and a bonus – it is absolutely critical and essential,” Mr Andrews told reporters.
“International evidence, our own experience, the views of experts and hopefully confirmation of both ATAGI and national cabinet today will mean everyone knows and understands this is a three-dose project.”
The change could also have ramifications for entering venues and events.
“I think it will very soon be three doses to get the green tick,” Mr Andrews said.
Asked when the change could be made, the premier responded: “Hopefully we get that confirmation today.”
But NCA Newswire understands the nation’s vaccine advisory has yet to make a submission to national cabinet on the change.
Earlier this month, Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation was meeting weekly potential changes to the Covid-19 vaccine program.
“There’s a number of implementation issues that would need to be considered but … the third dose is clearly an important thing,” Professor Kelly told reporters.
“If you have Omicron or Omicron is present, we know that does increase the protection against severe disease and against transmission and against infection.”
Over 7 million Australians over the age of 18 years old have received a third shot of the vaccine.
Currently, only those 18 and over are eligible to receive a booster shot.
The European ambassador to Australia has flagged a similar change could be on the cards overseas.
“It’s increasingly clear that only a booster jab gives you the safety that in the former Delta period double vaccination would’ve given you,” Michael Pulch told ABC Radio.
“That’s why we are looking at whether or not we need to redefine fully vaccinated.”
National cabinet will also discuss the state of the health system and supply chain issues.
Emergency Management Australia director-general Joe Buffone will brief leaders on efforts to keep supermarket shelves stocked following the relaxation of close contact rules for essential workers.
Originally published as Daniel Andrews flags major change to definition of ‘fully vaccinated’
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