COVID-19 remains a disease of concern for communities across western Victoria. Health professionals are encouraged to ensure their patients are up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination and take the necessary treatment steps if they test positive.
Vaccinations Testing for COVID-19 Treating patients with COVID-19
Vaccinations
Find a clinic and book a COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 vaccinations are available in Australia to anyone aged five years and over. Vaccination is also recommended for children aged six months to under five years in at risk population groups.
For children |
Department of Health | ATAGI recommendations on COVID-19 vaccine use in children aged 6 months to <5 years |
For priority populations |
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing | COVID-19 vaccination information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people |
Testing for COVID-19
As per Government directions, Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are the first option for testing for the COVID-19 virus. It remains important for people to continue to test for COVID-19 to ensure wider community management of the virus.
Testing availability and requirements |
Healthdirect | COVID-19 Testing |
Treating patients with COVID-19
The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce published evidence-based clinical guidelines to support health care professionals in caring for people with COVID-19.
Oral anti-viral treatments Paxlovid® (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) and Lagevrio® (molnupiravir) are available for use in Australia for people with COVID-19. Both are available via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. These anti-viral medicines can be prescribed by a General Practitioner or Nurse Practitioner to people in the community who may be at risk of developing more COVID-19 severe symptoms.
Oral antiviral treatments must be started within five days of symptoms starting or testing positive for COVID-19.
Evusheld ( tixagevimab and cilgavimab ) may be considered in exceptional circumstances for individuals who are severely immunocompromised to be prescribed for use as a prophylaxis for COVID-19.
Assessment and management |
HealthPathways | COVID-19 Assessment and Management |
Medications |
HealthPathways | Medications in COVID-19
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing | COVID-19 Oral Treatments Fact Sheet |
Long COVID |
HealthPathways | Post COVID condition – Long COVID |