No decision has been made about whether to change the definition of full vaccination to require three doses of a COVID-19 jab.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is still considering whether to change its advice.
If it does, it would be up to states and territories to amend their respective public health orders.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews earlier suggested national cabinet could agree to update the definition of full vaccination to cover three doses.
“This is not a two-dose thing (or) two doses and a bonus – it is absolutely critical and essential,” he told reporters.
“International evidence, our own experience, the views of experts … will mean everyone knows and understands this is a three-dose project.”
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutewin said the ATAGI advice had not been provided to leaders.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said it was critical the health advice from experts be followed.
“What is clear is that the booster shot makes a major difference in terms of the Omicron variant in particular,” he told reporters on the NSW south coast.
“Over a period of time it will be considered you would have to have had a booster in order to be fully vaccinated …. we know the protection (of a second dose) reduces over a period of time.”
Premiers and chief ministers told a meeting of national cabinet on Thursday they expected a jump in daily infections when schools returned for the year.
They also reported decreased pressure on hospital systems in terms of admissions and intensive care numbers.
The definition of who is considered an essential worker remains the same for now.
Premiers and chief ministers agreed to consider any recommendations provided by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.
Australia’s retail sector had urged leaders to extend isolation exemptions to staff in the industry.
States and territories did agree to trucking licence changes to be based on competency and skills tests as opposed to only time. New Zealand trucking licences will also be recognised.
Ongoing difficulties in lifting Indigenous vaccination rates and problems posed by misinformation were also discussed.
The double-dose rate for Indigenous people aged 16 and older is sitting around 75 per cent, compared with more than 93 per cent for Australia’s overall 16-plus population.
NSW on Thursday reported 29 virus-related deaths and 117,316 cases, while Victoria recorded 13,755 new COVID-19 cases and 15 more deaths.
There were another 15 deaths and 11,600 cases in Queensland, while South Australia recorded 13 more deaths and 1953 cases
The ACT racked up 884 new infections, Tasmania 726 and the Northern Territory 626.
AAP
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