COVID-19 case numbers have increased in recent weeks and health authorities are encouraging people to keep up to date with their vaccinations.

A booster vaccine dose can protect you from serious illness, especially if you are aged 65 or older – or you are 18 or older and have a condition that puts you at greater risk. You can access a booster vaccine even without a Medicare card.

If you are at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, talk to your doctor about whether oral treatments might be suitable for you.

It’s important to keep practising safety measures, including:

Testing and staying at home if you have symptoms

Wearing a mask in crowded places, and

Avoiding high-risk settings such as disability and residential aged care facilities, and hospitals for at least 7 days after a positive test result.

Doing these simple things will protect you and your loved ones and help keep our community safe.