Australia news live: national cabinet to meet twice a week to get coronavirus vaccine rollout back on track

We are dealing with the twin threats of influenza and COVID-19, for which two national vaccination programs will be rolling out at the same time – it’s a lot for our health system to manage, and it’s a lot for patients…

We are urging patients in later phases for the COVID-19 vaccine to get their flu shot as soon as it is available, and then get their COVID-19 vaccine when they can. This will help to minimise strain on the health system…

If you’re young and healthy you might think you should be standing back and waiting for the most vulnerable patients to get their flu shots first.

In fact, we want these patients to do the opposite. Book an appointment with your GP to get your flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available, and then get your COVID-19 vaccine when you can.

Patients who are more vulnerable, including those who are older, should prioritise getting their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is offered to them.