What's That Rash?

While COVID-19 is currently in two of Australia's states and the ACT, the reality is eventually it will get everywhere. And eventually, the theory goes, COVID-19 will infect everyone.Vaccination will help stop the vast majority of people getting severe symptoms which may put them in hospital, but there'll always be people who can't or won't be immunised.So does getting COVID-19 after being vaccinated help with longer term immunity? And therefore if you're fully vaccinated, is it worth trying to get infected on purpose? Also on today's show:* How many people don't get their second dose?* What might happen now in NSW?

Many restrictions are being lifted in NSW today, after the state last week hit the 70 percent double vaccination target.For many, it's a time to reconnect with loved ones and start to live life once again - this time in a more COVID-normal way.But for others, the reopening is both exciting and a bit nerve wracking - as people take time to re-adjust.Also on today's show:* I'm worried about my kids going back to school* What's going on with Moderna and myocarditis/pericarditis in young men?

NSW will take its first step out of lockdown on Monday, and it'll be slightly bigger than expected.The state's new Premier has made some small changes in relation to what fully vaccinated people will be able to do in just a few days.So what can we expect to case numbers, vaccination rates, hospitalisation and ICU admissions?And what about the rest of the country - like Victoria and ACT - which will be taking the same steps as NSW in coming weeks and months? On today's Coronacast, a very special guest to help talks us through all the data.

As case numbers continue to decline in NSW and the date for opening up gets closer, the state has started to provide details on how isolation requirements for close contacts might work for the vaccinated.For vaccinated people, isolation after close contact will be halved if you're vaccinated - though movement restrictions may still apply.It's just one of many changes coming for people in NSW and Victoria - and likely other states in coming months - as more risk tolerant ,COVID-normal policies are implemented.So on today's Coroancast, what could it look like and how have other parts of the world handled it?Also on today's show:* Why are you dissing Tamiflu?* Tegan's etymology club gains more members. It's got four people now!

Victoria posted a new national record for new COVID cases day yesterday, with 1763 cases.There have been a number of worrying big days recently, and there are few signs that the outbreak is slowing down in any meaningful way.So what could be going on, especially considering vaccination levels in Victoria are now higher than they were in NSW when that state hit its peak several weeks ago.That's on today's Coronacast.Also on today's show:* Kids and schools and ventilation* I know this could change any second, but how have we managed to dodge so many bullets in Queensland?* Can you tell me what the difference is between a 12 year old and a 10 year old getting vaccinated? * Tegan starts a drug name etymology club. Who wants in?!

NSW is only days away from hitting the 70 per cent double dose vaccination figure, which will see the city begin its reopening from early next week.And while Victoria is a few weeks behind, hospitalisation and ICU data there are showing dramatic drop offs in the percentages who are admitted.It's yet another success story for COVID-19 vaccines, and hopefully is a sign of even better things to come.But on today's Coronacast, if vaccines are so successful why are we hearing about more people in hospital for COVID treatment who have had a shot?Also on today's show:* All you questions on COVID-19 treatments answered: we talk molnupiravir and sotrovimab

'Go hard, go early' was the playbook when there was a Delta outbreak in Victoria in early August.But nearly two months later the state is on the same curve as NSW was.So why is Victoria tracking the same way NSW did when it responded more quickly? And does it mean we can expect the curve to bend when vaccination rates rise?Also on today's show:* If I successfully fend of an infection, does that help my immune system?* What's the ideal gap for AstraZeneca vaccination?* Quick Fire Friday returns with: What Would Norman Do?

The outbreaks in NSW and Victoria are now large enough that it's impossible to follow what's happening with the detail that we once used to be able to.But one thing that we should keep an eye on is hospitalisation and deaths coming from the outbreaks.In NSW, it seems as though hospitalisations are falling - as more people come forward for vaccinations. In Victoria, the numbers are still rising.So on today's Coronacast, how are Australia's outbreaks tracking? And what might we expect in coming weeks?Also on today's show:* Hello South Australia* Clarifications about Monday's episode on Pfizer transmission data

The medicines regulator in Australia has paved the way for home-testing COVID-19 kits to be made available from November 1st.Currently, the most common way people are tested for COVID is via a PCR test, which requires at least a day's wait, a lab and fancy equipment.But soon, people will be able to do a rapid antigen test at home and get a result in 15 minutes.So on today's Coronacast, what is a rapid antigen test? And why might it be more useful as we start to reopen?Also on today's show:* Whatever happened to fully vaccinated meaning 2 doses + 2 weeks? * Norman, when do you think you will feel comfortable boarding an airplane?

With nearly 52 per cent of Australians over 16 years now fully vaccinated, there is more and more talk about opening up once it's safe.But there are other parts of the world that are a bit ahead of us, opening up and removing all restrictions.The UK removed restrictions in July, Denmark ended COVID restrictions two weeks ago, and Norway removed restrictions over the weekend.So on today's Coronacast, what can we learn from those countries on our own path to eventually reopening?Also on today's show:* You said that Pfizer drops 22 per cent every month in effectiveness. Does this mean that after 5 months if you had Pfizer, you're no longer protected against COVID?* Is there any risk of catching the virus from swimming pool water?