Australia is turning to other vaccine options now that the AstraZeneca vaccine is no longer the preferred vaccine for adults under 50. A total of 40 million Pfizer vaccine doses have been ordered, but Australia also has a deal for a third vaccine – the Novavax vaccine.
Both the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been linked to a rare blood clotting condition known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). CVST occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the veins responsible for draining blood from your brain. The condition has been observed around 1 in 350,000 AstraZeneca vaccinations, usually between day 4-20 post-vaccination.
Snoring is common amongst many children, however new research has shown that it may be associated with structural changes in the brain causing behavioural and learning problems.
Did you know that driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced late last week that Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine can now be stored and transported at normal freezer temperatures for up to 2 weeks (-15C to -25C). It can also be kept unopened at normal fridge temperatures for 5 days. This is a huge step forward in enabling the Pfizer vaccine to be distributed more widely.
“This is not the beginning of the end, this is the beginning of a new era.” Professor of Epidemiology Mary-Louise McLaws has warned Australians that the vaccine roll-out will not snap the world back to normal. Currently, approximately 16 million vaccine doses are being given daily. At this rate, the world would reach herd immunity in 2 years (75-85% vaccinated) – but huge vaccine inequities will leave many countries behind.
Does your mind wander and procrastinate in the late hours of the night? You may have bedtime procrastination, which significantly affects the quality of your sleep and long term health.
Insomnia is commonly seen in those with schizophrenia. Now, a new study has shown that insomnia is closely associated with more suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression in these patients.
In a press conference last night, the Prime Minister and Health Minister announced new advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine. Due to the very rare side effect of particular blood clotting syndromes, the ATAGI has recommended the Pfizer vaccine to adults under 50 over the AstraZeneca vaccine. Given the higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes for adults over 50, the AstraZeneca vaccine is still very beneficial.
