Latest news with #MarkButler
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
Young Australians throwing away illegal vapes as prices soar
Vaping rates are falling among young adults and high schoolers, prompting Health Minister Mark Butler to claim Australia's world-first vape ban is working. Prices for the fruity-flavoured puffers illegally sold at tobacco and corner stores have risen from about $25 to between $50 and $60 since the middle of last year when Labor introduced one of the strictest public health measures of its term by banning vapes – they are now only legally purchased as anti-smoking aids at pharmacies – and clamping down on importation. Officials have since seized 8 million illegal vapes at the border, mostly manufactured in China and sold under popular brand names Alibarbar and iGet. While they can still be bought, the higher prices and reduced supply has combined with school-level warnings to bring down smoking rates. The rate of vaping has halved to 18 per cent among 18-24-year-olds from early 2023 to now, according to new data from the Cancer Council's Generation Vape report, the most comprehensive survey on vaping in Australia. Among 14-17-year-olds, the rate of vaping was rapidly rising in recent years but started to drop in the last quarter of last year, falling from 17 per cent to 15.5 per cent. The respondents are asked of their experiences in a mix of surveys and long-form interviews funded by the council and government agencies. Loading That drop-off among teens is backed by data from health authorities in South Australia, which showed vaping rates in the 30-to-59 age group had dropped by about half from 2023 to this year, and by about one-third for South Australians aged between 15 and 29. The number of schoolkids in SA being suspended for vaping declined by 50 per cent from the first term of 2023 when there were 388 suspensions compared to 186 in term four last year. 'The vaping legislation has really changed the game,' said Alecia Brooks of the Cancer Council.
The Age
2 days ago
- Health
- The Age
Young Australians throwing away illegal vapes as prices soar
Vaping rates are falling among young adults and high schoolers, prompting Health Minister Mark Butler to claim Australia's world-first vape ban is working. Prices for the fruity-flavoured puffers illegally sold at tobacco and corner stores have risen from about $25 to between $50 and $60 since the middle of last year when Labor introduced one of the strictest public health measures of its term by banning vapes – they are now only legally purchased as anti-smoking aids at pharmacies – and clamping down on importation. Officials have since seized 8 million illegal vapes at the border, mostly manufactured in China and sold under popular brand names Alibarbar and iGet. While they can still be bought, the higher prices and reduced supply has combined with school-level warnings to bring down smoking rates. The rate of vaping has halved to 18 per cent among 18-24-year-olds from early 2023 to now, according to new data from the Cancer Council's Generation Vape report, the most comprehensive survey on vaping in Australia. Among 14-17-year-olds, the rate of vaping was rapidly rising in recent years but started to drop in the last quarter of last year, falling from 17 per cent to 15.5 per cent. The respondents are asked of their experiences in a mix of surveys and long-form interviews funded by the council and government agencies. Loading That drop-off among teens is backed by data from health authorities in South Australia, which showed vaping rates in the 30-to-59 age group had dropped by about half from 2023 to this year, and by about one-third for South Australians aged between 15 and 29. The number of schoolkids in SA being suspended for vaping declined by 50 per cent from the first term of 2023 when there were 388 suspensions compared to 186 in term four last year. 'The vaping legislation has really changed the game,' said Alecia Brooks of the Cancer Council.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Health
- Perth Now
Aussies urged to get COVID boosters as new variant surges
Health Minister Mark Butler has urged Australians to get their COVID booster jab after a surge in infections from the new subvariant NB.1.8.1. The variant is behind surging infections in parts of Asia, with the World Health Organisation reporting it is spreading faster than other circulating strains. Wastewater screening in WA has detected the new highly contagious variant of Omicron as the dominant variant in Perth. Mr Butler said people aged over 75 should seek out a booster if it's been more than six months since their last, while those aged between 65 and 74 should get one if it has been more than a year. 'For everyone else, have a serious think,' he warned. 'I do encourage, particularly as we head into winter, for people to think about the last time they got the COVID vaccine. 'I've just got my booster over the last couple of weeks, and I think that puts me in a good position over winter, and other Australians should make sure that they equip themselves similarly.' If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Monash University's head of epidemiological modelling James Trauer warned if people weren't up to date with their boosters and had previously suffered from the Omicron they could be more at risk. 'You're just more likely to get it. You're more susceptible if you've been infected with a variant that was around two or three years ago and if you've been vaccinated with a vaccine that's a couple of years old,' he said. 'That will provide you with less protection. So if you have had a bit of a gap since your last infection you could get a somewhat worse episode this time around. 'Omicron has continued to evolve and its throwing off offshoots. This one is just a step on from the last one. 'The virus gradually evolves so that some of its proteins are a little bit different so that it can avoid the antibodies that we've now got present at population level.'
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
New COVID variant explodes across Australia and only 1 in 10 are ready for the new wave, doctors urge vaccination, and how to stay safe
How to get vaccinated Live Events Check your eligibility on your state health website (e.g., Services Australia, WA Health) Book an appointment through your local GP, pharmacy, or vaccination hub It's free for most eligible Australians How to stay safe this winter Wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces Improving ventilation at home and work Washing hands frequently Staying home if you feel unwell Testing for COVID if symptoms appear (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is rapidly spreading across Australia. This subvariant, a descendant of Omicron , has been detected in multiple states, including Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia , and World Health Organization (WHO) has designated NB.1.8.1 as a "variant under monitoring" due to its increasing global prevalence and potential to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccinations. In Australia, genomic sequencing indicates that NB.1.8.1 accounts for over 40% of cases in Victoria and is now the dominant strain in wastewater samples collected in is believed to be more transmissible than earlier strains. Research suggests it may infect cells more efficiently and partially sidestep existing immunity. Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some its increased transmissibility, no current evidence exists that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness than previous variants. However, the rise in cases has led to increased hospitalizations, particularly among vulnerable experts encourage the public to understand the importance of booster vaccinations to protect against severe disease. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has strongly encouraged Australians to get their COVID-19 booster, especially as winter approaches. Current vaccines, including the most recent booster targeting the JN.1 variant, are expected to offer protection against uptake in Australia remains low, with just over 6% of Australians receiving a booster in the past six months. Health authorities stress that COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccinations are free and safe to receive together, urging immediate action to prevent a healthcare crisis during the winter addition to vaccination, residents are encouraged to practice good hygiene, stay home when ill, and monitor public health measures are crucial in mitigating the spread of NB.1.8.1 and protecting the community, particularly those at higher risk.
West Australian
3 days ago
- Health
- West Australian
‘Have a serious think': Health Minister Mark Butler urges COVID boosters as new NB.1.8.1 variant surges
Health Minister Mark Butler has urged Australians to get their COVID booster jab after a surge in infections from the new subvariant NB.1.8.1. The variant is behind surging infections in parts of Asia, with the World Health Organisation reporting it is spreading faster than other circulating strains. Wastewater screening in WA has detected the new highly contagious variant of Omicron as the dominant variant in Perth. Mr Butler said people aged over 75 should seek out a booster if it's been more than six months since their last, while those aged between 65 and 74 should get one if it has been more than a year. 'For everyone else, have a serious think,' he warned. 'I do encourage, particularly as we head into winter, for people to think about the last time they got the COVID vaccine. 'I've just got my booster over the last couple of weeks, and I think that puts me in a good position over winter, and other Australians should make sure that they equip themselves similarly.' Monash University's head of epidemiological modelling James Trauer warned if people weren't up to date with their boosters and had previously suffered from the Omicron they could be more at risk. 'You're just more likely to get it. You're more susceptible if you've been infected with a variant that was around two or three years ago and if you've been vaccinated with a vaccine that's a couple of years old,' he said. 'That will provide you with less protection. So if you have had a bit of a gap since your last infection you could get a somewhat worse episode this time around. 'Omicron has continued to evolve and its throwing off offshoots. This one is just a step on from the last one. 'The virus gradually evolves so that some of its proteins are a little bit different so that it can avoid the antibodies that we've now got present at population level.'
