CANBERRA, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government announced a new campaign on Wednesday to encourage people to get vaccinated for both COVID-19 and influenza during this winter.
Health Minister Mark Butler launched the new information campaign targeting 6 million Australians who have not yet had a third COVID-19 vaccine dose.
He warned that coronavirus cases and hospitalizations would continue to rise throughout winter and that booster vaccines were the best way to protect the health system.
"This winter, we have the threat of significant transmission of both COVID-19 and influenza, and already we are seeing increased numbers of people seeking treatment for respiratory illness from health professionals and hospitals," Butler said in a statement.
"If you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose, or haven't yet had your annual flu jab, make an appointment today to get vaccinated."
Australia on Wednesday reported more than 30,000 new coronavirus cases and more than 60 deaths.
It takes Australia's pandemic death toll past 9,500, more than 7,000 of which have occurred in 2022.
According to the Department of Health, there were 3,022 COVID-19 cases being treated in Australian hospitals on Wednesday, including 103 in intensive care units.
As of Wednesday afternoon, a total of 7,883,197 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Australia. There are approximately 213,093 active cases nationwide. ■