While it took 12 months for COVID-19 cases across the globe to reach 100 million, it has taken only six months for the 200 million milestone to be hit. The latest WHO weekly epi update noted that the largest proportionate increases in new cases were in the Region of the Americas (largely driven by Peru and the USA) and Western Pacific Region (Malaysia, Japan and the Philippines), which also reported a 46 percent rise in new deaths (Vietnam recorded a 108 percent increase in deaths this week on top of the 576 percent rise last week).
In related news:
- ATAGI has issued ‘Guidance on Myocarditis and Pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccines’. Read more
- Spikevax (elasomeran), a mRNA vaccine produced by Moderna, has now been granted provisional approval by the TGA for individuals 18 years of age and older, with a 28-day interval between doses.
- COVID-19 in Australia: Live tracking of Coronavirus Cases, Active Cases, Tests, Recoveries, Deaths, ICU and Hospitalisations at https://covidlive.com.au/
- Due to a technicality, vaccinations of the Australian-made AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine are not currently recognised in Europe. The ABC reports on the rebranding of the vaccine to 'Vaxzevria' before international travel gets underway again.
- Information on the African Union's Digital Vaccination Platform which features: ‘Information about the latest travel restrictions and entry requirements applicable to the entire stretch of your journey … a Database of authorised laboratories and vaccination compliance information … and Africa CDC “mutual recognition protocol” for COVID-19 testing and test results, and vaccination certificates (including yellow fever and a future COVID-19 vaccine)’. Read more
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.