With increasing cases of new COVID-19 variants spreading throughout the community, the chance of reinfection is now more likely.

For this reason, the window for potential reinfection has been reduced from 12 weeks to four weeks (28 days) after recovery from a COVID-19 infection. This decision is based on the latest expert advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.

This means that effective immediately, if you develop COVID-19 symptoms more than 28 days after your recovery you must get tested for COVID-19 again.

If you test positive, you must follow the process for a confirmed positive case by staying at home and isolating for at least seven days. If you test negative, you should stay at home until your symptoms resolve and test again as needed.

If you are a close contact within 28 days of recovering from COVID-19, you will need to follow the guidelines for a close contact and test for COVID-19.

More information is available via the WA Government announcement.

Winter booster COVID-19 vaccine available to more people

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has updated its advice and expanded its recommendations for a winter booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccination:

• Adults aged 50 to 64 years are recommended to receive a winter booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Adults aged 30 to 49 years are eligible to receive a winter booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
• The interval recommended between a recent COVID-19 infection or last booster dose is now three months.

For more information, please read the WA government announcement.

COVID-19 vaccines available on campus 

The Murdoch University Medical Service has vaccines in stock and is running COVID-19 vaccination clinics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons for eligible staff, students and family members of international students (aged 18 years and over).

Bookings can be made online by selecting ‘COVID-19 vaccination’ or by calling 9360 2293.

Free influenza vaccines still available

We are facing a potentially severe influenza season following two years of border closures.

Vaccination is the best protection against influenza and its complications. The WA Health Department strongly advises people to get vaccinated annually in the lead up to the winter months to provide protection in time for peak flu season.

The Murdoch University Medical Service has a good supply of influenza vaccines and continues to provide them for free to students and staff. If you haven’t had your vaccine yet, don’t delay and book an appointment now. All appointments for influenza vaccinations are bulk billed and the vaccine is free. Appointments can be made online, simply select influenza vaccine as the appointment type, or by calling the clinic on 9360 2293.

The COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations can be given in the same appointment. If you require both, please book in for a COVID-19 vaccine and ask for both on the day.

Feeling unwell?

As always, if you feel unwell do not come to campus – stay home and get tested.

Should you test positive for COVID-19, it is important you let your unit coordinator know as soon as possible and complete the COVID-19 Case Report Form. They will work with you to develop an alternate plan to ensure you are able to complete your studies.