National cabinet update on ’fully vaccinated’ definition

A national cabinet meeting has wrapped up, with an update provided on debate around the definition of “fully vaccinated” in Australia.

National cabinet has wrapped up with no changes made to the definition of “fully vaccinated” in Australia.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews had been pushing for the term to be redefined so that people would need to have received three doses of the Covid jab to earn the classification.

But states and territories are still waiting for final advice from the national advisory panel.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of national cabinet on Thursday, the Victorian Premier said the third shot was critical.

“This is not a two-dose thing (or) two doses and a bonus – it is absolutely critical and essential,” Mr Andrews told reporters.

Daniel Andrews has declared he would like to see national cabinet agree on a change to the third shot on Thursday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

“International evidence, our own experience, the views of experts and hopefully confirmation of both ATAGI and national cabinet today will mean everyone knows and understands this is a three-dose project.”

The change could also have ramifications for entering venues and events.

“I think it will very soon be three doses to get the green tick,” Mr Andrews said.

Asked when the change could be made, the premier responded: “Hopefully we get that confirmation today.”

Over 7 million Australians have already received their booster shot. Picture: Brendan Radke

But despite Mr Andrews’ public intervention, advice on extending the definition was not submitted to national cabinet for endorsement.

It’s understood the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation will make a decision within weeks.

Earlier this month, the chief medical officer suggested any change would rely on smoothing out implementation issues.

“There's a number of implementation issues that would need to be considered but … the third dose is clearly an important thing,” Professor Paul Kelly told reporters.

“If you have Omicron or Omicron is present, we know that does increase the protection against severe disease and against transmission and against infection.”

Leaders will also be briefed by Emergency Management Australia on supply chain issues. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Over 7 million Australians over the age of 18 years old have received a third shot of the vaccine.

Currently, only those 18 and over are eligible to receive a booster shot.

The European ambassador to Australia has flagged a similar change could be on the cards overseas.

“It's increasingly clear that only a booster jab gives you the safety that in the former Delta period double vaccination would’ve given you,” Michael Pulch told ABC Radio.

“That's why we are looking at whether or not we need to redefine fully vaccinated.”

At the national cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Scott Morrison highlighted the need for a continued focus on vaccination as health experts caution an increase of cases going into winter.

Premiers and chief ministers also discussed the expected increase in case numbers when schools returned for the year, partially due to the rise in surveillance testing of school students.

They also reported that pressure on their hospital systems was reducing, in terms of admissions and ICU patient numbers.

Despite urging from the retail sector, national cabinet held its ground on who is considered an essential worker for another fortnight.

But leaders did agree to make it easier to obtain truck licenses, with the system to be managed based on competency and skills tests, instead of just driving times. Australia will also recognise truck licenses of New Zealand drivers.

The next national cabinet meeting will be held in a fortnight.

Originally published as National cabinet update on ’fully vaccinated’ definition