Vaccines all go for over50s in Australia

CANBERRA: All Australians over 50 now have access to Covid19 vaccines as health authorities move to reassure people the AstraZeneca jab is safe.

Since yesterday, people over 50 have been able to receive shots at general practice respiratory clinics and state and territory vaccination hubs.

On May 17, the programme will be expanded to GP clinics.

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said regulators were continuing to examine every report of adverse reactions.

‘‘My clear message is that the benefit of the vaccine outweighs the risk. People are seeing what’s happening in India,’’ he said yesterday.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the vaccines would provide an overwhelming protection for the health system.

‘‘Vaccination saves lives and it protects lives. But it’s not an absolute prohibition on transmission,’’ he said.

Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations chairwoman Jane Halton said Australia needed to catch up on its vaccination rollout to avoid a major outbreak.

Thailand yesterday reported a new daily record of 31 Covid19 deaths, as the country grappled with a third wave.

After managing to largely control the virus for about a year through shutdowns and strict border controls, Thailand has faced a spike in cases since early April.

The ministry reported 2041 new cases, taking the country’s total to 71,025. Fatalities were now at 276.

Argentina’s Covid19 cases reached 3 million yesterday, as medical workers said hospitals were full to capacity despite toughened government measures to limit infections.

The country’s health ministry said there were 11,394 new cases over the past 24hour period, and 156 new deaths taking fatalities to 64,252.

The government of President Alberto Fernandez has unveiled tougher restrictions as a second wave filled up intensive care units and set new daily records for cases and deaths. — AAP/Reuters