CANBERRA, Feb 10, 2022 (BSS/XINHUA) - Australia reported more than 25,000
new COVID-19 cases and more than 50 deaths on Thursday when the AstraZeneca
vaccine was provisionally approved for use as a booster in the country.

   Medical regulator the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on Wednesday
night announced it provisionally approved a booster dose of the AstraZeneca
COVID-19 vaccine for Australians aged 18 years and older.

  However, in its announcement the TGA said that Pfizer and Moderna's mRNA
vaccines remain the preferred boosters for Australians irrespective of the
primary vaccine a person received.

   It said anyone who wishes to receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine,
Vaxzevria, as a booster would first have to consult their doctor. "This
includes for people who received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for their
primary course," the TGA said.

  "The Australian government continues to encourage individuals to have a
booster (third dose) following their initial two vaccination doses to enable
strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization, particularly
from the omicron variant."

  The department of health data revealed there were 3,588 cases being treated
in hospitals on Wednesday, including 274 in intensive care units.

  Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said in a media release on
Thursday that senior Australians in residential aged care are leading the
national uptake of boosters, with 80.56 percent of those eligible for their
third vaccine shot now having received it.

   "The booster vaccination rate for aged care residents is well ahead of the
national community figure of 55.43 percent," he said.