Winter booster against COVID-19 and anti-viral tablets available to lessen severity

The state government will provide free flu jabs throughout June.

Premier Daniel Andrews said on Monday the vaccines could be booked through a general practitioner or pharmacy.

"I'm passionate about preventative medicine - I'd much rather my patients don't suffer from influenza, so anything that removes barriers to being vaccinated is a great initiative," Dr Thies said.

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She said the uptake of the flu shot was similar to previous years. Those interested in getting a flu shot could also get their second COVID-19 booster (fourth shot) in the same appointment.

"The reason for separating the two vaccines in 2021 was to gather the most accurate data on COVID-19 vaccine side effects," Dr Thies said.

"This also assured adverse reactions to the COVID-19 immunisations were not confused with adverse reactions to other vaccinations given at the same time."

In the 24 hours to Wednesday, 53 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the Warrnambool area, bringing the total active infections to 288.

ATAGI has extended the winter COVID-19 booster to include those aged 16-64 with a medical condition and people living with a disability.

Healthcare workers and pregnant women are not recommended to receive it.

Dr Thies said immunisation against COVID-19 peaked two weeks following a booster immunisation before it waned, similar to the immune response of a flu shot.

"There are steadily increasing numbers of the Omicron BA.2 variant and modelling predicts a seasonal increase in winter," she said.

"That's why ATAGI expanded the recommendation for a fourth vaccine to better protect the community in the coming months, particularly patients most at risk of moderate to severe disease or hospitalisation."

Dr Thies said anti-viral tablets were available to treat people at the highest risk of severe COVID-19 which helped minimise hospitalisation and death.

"The medications need to be taken within five days of symptom onset, so it's important people don't put off reporting a positive rapid antigen test or consulting their doctor."

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