ONGOING COVID frustration continues to occur with delayed access to needed supplies.
It is important to keep in mind the changing nature of COVID.
For two years governments around the world have been managing the constantly changing parameters and impacts of the virus.
No-one has had a crystal ball, but there are plenty of armchair critics and self-declared experts providing their reviews.
Ultimately, the proof of any comparative “success” will be in the long-term outcomes.
At this stage, Australia has done very well, in terms of vaccine rollout, mortality rates and our economy.
Early on, the Australian Government focussed on manufacturing our own vaccine and Astra Zeneca was the first reliable one available.
However, media coverage and scare campaigns required the government to pivot and redirect to Pfizer and Moderna and therefore the rollout effectively paused while new supplies were expedited.
Politics is not just about considering and determining best decisions, it is also about bringing the nation with you.
Media has a part to play in the confidence and trust people have in the government and is crucial in a pandemic.
The Delta wave and imposed lockdowns by states required PCR testing.
Australia chose this form of test for its accuracy.
Albeit delays due to requirements to transport to capital cities increased delays for regional people.
Delta was slower to emerge, and while PCRs were slower to get results, they were and remain Australia’s preferred test due to their reliability.
However, as Omicron became the prevailing mutation, transmissibility increased and severity reduced. More people needed testing sooner and the shift to rapid antigen testing became the preferred test.
While cases were rising, PCR testing remained efficient and effective.
It was apparent early in Omicron the shift would be necessary.
The Northern Hemisphere was heading to winter and higher infection rates, and global RATs supply was struggling to keep up.
Australia had made its order, but it was placed in a queue.
Struggling supply chains continue to cause delays, and are another global phenomena.
Fifty-two million RATs are on their way, and add to the 10 million in the national stockpile.
Novovax has also been approved by the TGA this week.
It will now go to ATAGI for approve, which we anticipate will happen in coming days.
This is the first protein COVID-19 vaccine to receive regulatory approval in Australia.
The first shipment to Australia of the Novavax vaccine is expected in the coming month.
Governments will continue to pivot as required to meet head on the various challenges we face as a nation.
And, inevitably, the new ones that arise.
