Australia records 20 COVID-19 deaths as vulnerable groups urged to take up fourth vaccine
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In Victoria, eight deaths were recorded on Tuesday and 12,007 people have tested positive for the virus.
Of the 339 COVID-19 patients in hospital, 18 are in intensive care.
People aged 65 and older, Indigenous Australians aged at least 50, disability care residents and the immunocompromised became eligible for a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine on Monday.
Health Minister Greg Hunt says anyone eligible for a winter COVID-19 shot should come forward.
“You can pair it with your annual flu shot, which will help protect you against both the flu and COVID-19 this winter,” he said in a statement.
“Vaccines are your best protection against the most severe impacts of COVID and may provide protection against long COVID.
“Even if you have had COVID-19, it is important to maximise your protection from severe illness and have a booster.”