LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN COVID-19 PANDEMIC

* Top health advisers have given the green light to a fourth vaccine jab for certain groups.

* Adults aged 65 and over, Indigenous Australians 50 years or over, aged care and disability residents, and people aged 16 years and older who are severely immunocompromised will be eligible.

* The program will start on April 4 through pharmacies, general practices, state and Commonwealth clinics and Indigenous medical clinics.

* It is recommended the fourth jab be received four to six months after the third shot.

* It is also available four months after a confirmed COVID infection, if infection occurred since the person's third jab.

* Pfzier and Moderna vaccines are preferred for the new booster program. But access can also be provided to AstraZeneca and Novavax in certain cases.

* It is advised all Australians 16 and over get a third dose (booster) as soon as possible.

* The winter flu shot program will also start on April 4 through the national immunisation program.

* Certain groups including adults 65 and over, children under five, pregnant women, Indigenous Australians and people with particular medical conditions will get the flu shot for free.

* The national biosecurity emergency will not continue beyond April 17.

* The emergency declaration currently covers: mandatory pre-departure testing and mask wearing for international flights; restrictions on outbound international travel for unvaccinated Australians; restrictions on the entry of cruise vessels; anti-price gouging on rapid antigen tests; and restrictions to protect remote communities in the NT.

* Beyond April 17, international passengers will still need to be vaccinated and wear masks on flights.