New from our ABC – THE VIRUS – is your “one-stop weekly program keeping you up to date with everything you need to know about COVID-19. From healthcare, the economy, staff shortages, schools, vaccines, testing and isolation”. Follow this link to THE VIRUS program on the ABC site to see all “must watch” episodes – with COVID cases at over 63,000 cases per day and rising and a new variant, it’s no time to be complacent, but NSW is starting to lag behind in third does of the COVID-19 vaccine – if you’re eligible, but haven’t yet had your booster shot, book your booster online now.

From April, a 4^th winter COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people in the following groups who are at greatest risk of severe illness from COVID-19, 4 months since their first booster dose:

• 65 years and over 
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and over
• Residents of aged care and disabilities care facilities
• People aged 16 years and older with severe immunocompromise (if you are unsure please ask your doctor)

Congratulations and our collective thanks to the hard working volunteers and organisers of Moruya Celebrates – the Moruya Business Chamber, with Rotary, sponsors and our community groups and individuals. And what a fine celebration of our community it was, with over 60 community groups flying their flags and banners in the Church Street parade which edged its way on 1pm on Saturday, to Riverside Park for an afternoon of music, food, and festivities. Then River Lights after dark, a flotilla of illuminated lanterns and lights on kayaks and boats drifting along the river. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and water, the people of the Yuin Nation.

“The devastating floods in Queensland and New South Wales highlight, yet again, Australia’s failure to plan for natural disasters. As we’re seeing now in heartbreaking detail, everyday Australians bear the enormous cost of this inaction.” writes Professor Barbara Norman – Chair of the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Research Network, University of Canberra in The Conversation. “In just a few years, many Australian communities have weathered a series of natural disasters overlaid by the COVID pandemic. They are exhausted, and deserve better. So what must Australia do to get ready for the harsher future that awaits?”

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is reminding people that face masks still need to be worn in general practice as rules are relaxed across Australia. The RACGP President also called for more support for general practice which is under unprecedented pressure after two years of pandemic. The RACGP is calling on the federal government to invest in a series of initiatives to improve patient care and health outcomes.  

2022 influenza vaccines for the National Immunisation Program will be available from April. We will post updates on our site. Flu vaccination clinics will go live for online booking when the vaccines have been received. Please do not call us – continue to visit this site for updates. Continue reading for more early advice about the influenza program.

We have these COVID-19 vaccines ready for you and your family. Please book your vaccination online or ask your doctor at your next consultation.

Astrazeneca (18 years plus), Pfizer (12 years plus), Moderna (6 years plus), Paediatric Pfizer (5-11 yr olds)

The Novavax vaccine is expected to arrive soon. Reminder: Have you had your booster shot? Continue reading for more booster info.

We are delighted to welcome home our “very own” Dr Phil – many will remember him well from the early days of this practice in Vulcan Street. Here is an interesting snapshot of Dr Phil Crawford’s medical journey to all corners of the globe since his post graduate years practicing in Moruya. Dr Crawford’s focus is seeing patients who have urgent or on the day health needs…

Watch this short video for the right way to do your RAT Test. For learning  about how to manage COVID-19 at home click on the read more link below.

Jim Stanford in The Conversation writes today: That some political and business leaders have, from the outset of COVID-19, consistently downplayed the economic costs of mass illness, reflects a narrow, distorted economic lens. We’re now seeing the result – one of the worst public policy failures in Australia’s history. The Omicron variant is tearing through Australia’s workforce, from health care and child care, to agriculture and manufacturing, to transportation and logistics, to emergency services. The result is an unprecedented, and preventable, economic catastrophe. This catastrophe was visited upon us by leaders – NSW Premier Dom Perrotet and Prime Minister Scott Morrison in particular – on the grounds they were protecting the economy…

For two years, COVID has dominated our world. In Australia, we’ve tested every sniffle, undergone extensive lockdowns, and double-vaccinated more than 90% of adults to combat this lethal virus. So, it’s understandable our first reaction when we test positive to COVID ourselves is to panic.However, a positive test doesn’t mean you will necessarily end up in hospital. As a GP, here’s my advice on what you should do. See full story in The Conversation

New clinics for children aged 5 to 11 years are opened for online bookings when we receive our allocation – just 100 doses per delivery. Clinics are now open for 1st and 9th February 2022 – be quick – demand is strong and contrary to government public info, our supply is currently limited to 100 doses per delivery. You can also book your child’s follow up dose 8 weeks after the first dose. Please continue to check availability online – please don’t phone us – it is overwhelming our capacity. Please book online.

Please use the Book a Covid Vax tabs above to see appointment availability at Moruya or Broulee and book online – demand is strong so check often  – new clinics open online weekly and appointments fill quickly. Please don’t phone to book your booster shot – the volume of calls is overwhelming. Please book online – if you don’t see available appointments please check again often – there is no need to phone us.  During January 2022, you can book a booster dose if it has been 4 months or longer since your second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. If booking your booster from February 2022 you can have your booster if it’s been 3 months or longer since your second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The date you had your second dose of vaccine is on your COVID-19 digital certificate.

Banksia Villages and Queen Street Medical Centre are offering an innovative and exciting New Graduate Program for Registered Nurses. Facilitated by the University of Wollongong, this fully funded, new graduate program will give you a unique opportunity to gain expansive knowledge in both general practice/community and gerontological nursing and pave the way for a truly rewarding career  – see full details here New Graduate RN Program 

CSIRO’s new analysis of Australian forest fire trends just published in Nature Communications confirms for the first time the Black Summer fires are part of a clear trend of worsening fire weather and ever-larger forest areas burned by fires.

It’s the news we didn’t want: There’s a new variant of concern in town and it’s got all sorts of mutations just where you don’t want them. Learn more from Dr. Norman Swan on today’s Coronacast

It’s now time for another dose of the COVID vaccination for most of the population urges Dr. Neil Starmer.

Our Dr Neil Mackay has signed up for MOVEMBER – he’s aiming to change the face of men’s health. Let’s all pitch in to help Neil meet his fundraising target – Dr NEIL MACKAY’S MOVEMBER FUNDRAISER “Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men’s health, and this Movember I’m joining them. Together we can make a difference for men’s health – in prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Help me stop men dying too young.”

Thilan and Kishani are following their passion and starting their very own practice – the Beach Road Surgery – where Thilan will practice his skin cancer and aesthetic medicine and Kishani will continue her general practice. Our very best wishes Kishani and Thilan and we wish you every success.

A common myth of vaccines that has appeared in recent months is the accusation they remain active in the body for extended periods of time – a claim which has increased vaccine hesitancy in some people.