Diabetes under inquiry focus COVID boosters offer best protection

The broader impacts of diabetes on Australia’s health system and economy, and recent advances in the prevention and management of this significant health condition, will be the focus of a new inquiry by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health. Committee Chair Dr Mike Freelander said diabetes was the world’s fastest growing chronic health condition, currently impacting approximately 1.3 million Australians.

“The Committee looks forward to conducting this inquiry to better understand the current situation regarding diabetes in Australia, including the effectiveness of current Australian Government policies and programs aiming to prevent, diagnose and manage the condition,” he said.

“The Inquiry will be broad and will also look at lifestyle factors and the interaction between lifestyle, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity.”

Submissions from interested individuals and organisations are invited by 31 August 2023.

For more information, including the full terms of reference and details on how to lodge a submission, see the Committee’s website at https://www.aph.gov.au/ Parliamentary_Business/ Committees/House/ Health_Aged_Care_and_ Sport/

Local MP Cynthia Lui has asked Torres Strait and Cape residents to arm themselves against an oncoming winter surge of COVID-19 She said the COVID-19 peak was anticipated for late June 2023

“Booster doses are recommended for most people and can be taken alongside other vaccinations, such as the flu shot,” she said.

“The onset of winter is a timely reminder for us all to be vigilant to the risks of infectious disease.

“Some experts believe we will soon enter our fifth wave of COVID-19. “Daily case numbers are surging across the country and may peak sometime around the end of June.

“One of the best ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community is to keep up-to-date with immunisations.

“They might not stop you from getting COVID but they will certainly help to reduce the severity of symptoms.

“If you haven’t had a booster or been infected with

COVID-19 in the past six months, I would encourage you to get to phone your local chemist to arrange your next dose.

“This is especially important for people over the age of 65 or anyone over the age of 18 with medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs.

To find where you can get your booster, use the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder at https://www. healthdirect.gov.au/australianhealth-services