COVID Vaccines for Adolescents Approved

Australia has approved COVID-19 vaccines for individuals from 12 years of age, extending the current recommendation for those aged 16 years and older.

Earlier in the day, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advised the government that the Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective for children aged 12-15, reports Xinhua news agency.

Fluvoxamine: An OCD Drug can Prevent Covid-19 Patients from Hospitalization
Fluvoxamine has been proven among one such drug that could be used to treat COVID-19. Dozens of COVID patients showed no clinical deterioration in their symptoms when treated with a drug, fluvoxamine.

‘Australia reported 982 new locally-acquired cases of Covid, as the country continued to battle the third wave.’

"ATAGI concludes that the benefits of offering COVID-19 vaccination to all younger adolescents aged 12-15 years outweigh the known or potential risks," it said in a statement.

"As such, ATAGI recommends inclusion of this age group in the Australian Covid-19 vaccination program over time."

Following the announcement, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in Canberra that vaccine appointments for children would open in September.

Green Fungus or Aspergillosis and COVID-19 Infection
Green fungus or Aspergillosis is caused by a common mold, which exists both indoors and outdoors. Every day, people inhale Aspergillus spores, but it isn't harmful. However, it affects people who have a weak immune system. If the infection is left untreated, it can cause pneumonia.

"Principally I would see that happening especially through the General Practitioner (GP) network, and that provides the opportunity for family vaccinations, for the family to go along together across those age groups."

Of the news cases, 882 were from New South Wales (NSW), the current epicentre.

Mucormycosis (Black Fungal Disease): A Complication of COVID-19
Mucormycosis is spread by spores from the black fungus, Mycormycetes. It mainly affects people with a weak immune system and attacks the lungs and other organs of the body. It is also known as Black Fungal Disease.

Victoria, the second-most populous state reported a further 79 new cases, and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) recorded another 21, the highest in three days.

So far, about half the Australian population in NSW, Victoria, and ACT is still in lockdown.

COVID in Children | Guidelines for Management of COVID-19 in Children
Covid-19 virus has affected many children during the second wave. Many factors play a role in COVID in children and the management of COVID in children. Therefore, it is highly essential for parents to know and understand the symptoms in children.

As of Friday, there has been 47,840 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Australia, with 989 deaths.

Source-IANS