With the emergence of Omicron, the AMA this week highlighted the need for Australia to develop a network of dedicated quarantine facilities and to pursue the roll out of booster shots more vigorously.
“Effective dedicated quarantine arrangements are a necessary tool in our efforts to combat the inevitable emergence of COVID-19 variants and to protect the community,” AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said in a recent press release.
“While work on quarantine facilities has commenced in some states and territories, we are yet to see a nationally coordinated approach, which could provide Australia with a national asset of dedicated Commonwealth quarantine facilities.
“National Cabinet also needs to approach the roll out of booster doses with far more vigour. “While the Commonwealth’s decision to proceed with a booster program is welcome, it has failed to adequately fund general practices to take a proactive approach to getting boosters into people’s arms.”
Dr Khorshid said while motivated people will come forward for their booster shot, others will not.
“Without funding for general practice to follow these patients up and encourage them to come forward, hard to reach groups, older Australians and those that are hesitant about a booster dose will be left behind and put at risk of infection and serious health outcomes.
