In the ongoing fight against the Omicron-fueled pandemic, Australia approved Novavax for persons aged 18 and above on Monday, making it the fourth Covid-19 vaccine to be allowed for use in the nation after AstraZeneca, Moderna, and Pfizer. The Novavax vaccine should be administered in two doses, at least three weeks apart, said the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

According to Health Minister Greg Hunt, the government has ordered 51 million doses of the vaccine, which will be ready in February. On Monday, he told reporters, "We will be able to begin that programme in the week of February 21."

According to health department estimates from provinces and territories, Australia had more than 40,000 locally acquired coronavirus infections and 58 fatalities on Monday, including 24 in New South Wales, 17 in Victoria, 13 in Queensland, and two each in South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.

There are encouraging indicators that Australia's Omicron infection outbreak has peaked in some locations, with hospitalizations levelling off. "So, it's a critical juncture where we're seeing definite indicators that this Omicron wave has peaked, at least in New South Wales, Victoria, and the ACT," he said. Millions of welfare beneficiaries will be eligible for free quick antigen testing starting Monday.

The industry's trade association, however, cautioned that pharmacies do not have enough stock to fulfil demand, but that the situation should improve by the end of January.

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