Unravelling the impacts of long COVID and repeated COVID infections

THE health, social, educational, and economic impacts of long COVID and repeated COVID infections will be the focus of a new inquiry by the House Health Committee.

Chair of the committee, Mike Freelander MP said, "The committee recognises that both long COVID and repeated COVID infections are emerging as significant health challenges for Australia. Currently we have a limited understanding of these issues, and it is hoped that this inquiry will build a picture of the health, social, educational, and economic impacts long COVID and repeated COVID infections are having on individuals, their families and the broader community, which can be used to inform public policy recommendations.

"The committee wants to draw upon the experience and insights of healthcare service providers supporting patients with long COVID and/or repeated COVID infections, to better understand the impacts on Australia’s overall health system," he said.

Deputy chair of the committee, Melissa McIntosh MP said, "The committee is also particularly looking forward to hearing from individuals or loved ones of people with long COVID and/or who have had repeated COVID infections, particularly about their experience seeking diagnosis and treatment.

"The committee hopes to engage with researchers, peak bodies, members of the public, mental health organisations, the Australian Government, and state and territory governments, about the potential and unknown effects, causes, risk factors, prevalence, management and treatment of long COVID and/or repeated COVID infections," she said.

The committee will also consider how long COVID and/or repeated COVID infections may be impacting groups that face a greater risk of illness due to factors such as age, existing health conditions, disability and background.

Submissions from interested individuals and organisations are invited by November 18, 2022. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account.

Further information about the committee’s inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on how to lodge a submission are available at the committee’s website.

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