Comforting

www.gippslandtimes.com.au

Grammar welcomes Mr O’Brien

LOCAL politician Danny O'Brien recently visited Gippsland Grammar’s Garnsey senior campus to catch up with principal Leisa Harper and some of our Year 7 students. Mr O'Brien lives in Sale and is a Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly representing the electoral district of Gippsland South for the Nationals. Mrs Harper said it was great to begin welcoming back visitors to the School after restrictions caused by COVID-19. Gippsland Grammar students have also enjoyed learning from artists including former local Margaret McIntosh, Ultimate Endurance Athlete Luke Atkins, comedian and co-writer of Ronny Cheng International Student Decal Fay and Jen Bullers from Mental Armour, just to name a few.

A winter COVID booster dose is now available to local residents

THE Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has approved a winter booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for people at greatest risk of severe illness from the virus and who have received their primary vaccination and third dose. These fourth COVID ‘winter doses’ are now available from all state-run vaccination centres in Gippsland. Focused at increasing vaccine protection for the most vulnerable before the winter season hits, these ‘winter doses’ are aimed at;  adults aged 65 years and older  residents of aged care or disability care facilities  people aged 16 years and older who are severely immunocompromised (as defined in the ATAGI statement on the use of a third primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised)  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and older Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU) operations director Annelies

Titulaer said this additional booster dose for these groups coincided with the rollout of this year’s influenza vaccination program, with ‘flu shot’ bookings now available at local general practices and some pharmacies. “I would like to reassure people that it is safe to have your COVID vaccination, whether that be first, second or subsequent boosters, and your flu jab in close succession, either on the same day or merely days apart,” Ms Titulaer said. “The COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against the flu, so you should still have your annual flu shot. “During the course of the pandemic, evidence suggests COVID-19 is more severe in colder months than warmer ones, and that dry indoor air may encourage the spread of the disease.” Documented proof of eligibility for this

COVID ‘winter dose’ is not required. People can provide verbal attestation for their eligibility. “Eligible people will be able to receive their COVID ‘winter dose’ from four months after receiving their third dose, or from four months after they contracted COVID-19, if infection has occurred since the person’s third dose,” Ms Titulaer said. Pfizer or Moderna are the preferred vaccines for COVID-19 booster doses including the winter booster dose. AstraZeneca can be used when Pfizer or

Moderna is contraindicated or a person declines vaccination with either of these vaccines. Novavax can be used if no other COVID19 vaccine is considered suitable for that person. “A fourth COVID-19 dose will help maintain protection against COVID-19 and prevent waning immunity,” Ms Titulaer said. To receive the COVID ‘winter dose’, book an appointment at one of the GRPHU’s state-run vaccination centres online at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/bookyour-vaccine-appointment or phone 1800 675 398, seven days a week, 8am - 8pm (press 0 for an interpreter).

Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien with Gippsland Grammar Year 7 students (from left) Zara Stasinowsky, Yadin Trease, Jack Nethercote, Alyssa Witham, Joseph Dwyer and Nate Miles.