Health department defends Australian Covid vaccine ads criticised as ‘very hard to find’

The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care has launched a series of video campaigns including ‘take on winter’ (pictured) to encourage the uptake of Covid and influenza vaccines. Photograph: Department of Health

The Department of Health has defended its $11m advertising campaign for Covid vaccine boosters in response to concerns the communication began too late and is not prominent enough.

The health minister, Mark Butler, last month launched a six-week winter advertising campaign to encourage Australians to get vaccinated for Covid and influenza, and to raise awareness of antiviral medication for those who contract Covid.