Headlines on health SBS News

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is reportedly withdrawing its COVID-19 vaccine worldwide. The vaccine was discontinued by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Authority in April 2023 after findings of adverse side effects.

Hand-sanitising prayer beads have been launched to help curb the spread of germs among Muslim pilgrims at this year's Hajj. The prayer beads (or Tasbih) are coated in tea tree oil and uniquely designed to preserve spiritual practices. They're being distributed to pilgrims on Saudia airlines flights, as well as in Mecca itself.

About one-in-ten people across Australia provide unpaid care for a loved one with a disability or an older person and roughly 304,500 of them receive the government carer payment. The Albanese government has unveiled changes to the support payment to allow them greater flexibility in the hours they can work.

Fewer people follow a formal religion, according to the latest Census. In fact, almost 40 per cent of people in Australia now identify as ‘no religion’. However, in times of crisis many still reach out for support. And that’s where non-religious spiritual carers step in.

New research shows that some people living with HIV are choosing cheaper and suboptimal antiretroviral treatment out of fear that their applications for permanent residency will be rejected. Applicants must show that their medical spending will not exceed more than $51,000 over 10 years — a requirement, known as the Significant Cost Threshold. Experts say these rules for migrants are unfair and can compromise Australia’s goal to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.

Walking is something many of us take for granted. But a new study has revealed the enormous health benefits that walking just once a week can have, especially for those aged 70 and over.