The long tail of COVID‐19.

This article discusses the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on health, social systems, and political systems in Australia. It highlights three key areas of concern. Firstly, there has been an increase in parental misconceptions about childhood vaccinations, leading to vaccine hesitancy and decreased vaccination coverage. This emphasizes the need for health institutions to rebuild trust with communities. Secondly, the widespread adoption of telehealth services during the pandemic has had unintended negative consequences, particularly in rural and remote areas, where it can mask the need for long-term investment in infrastructure and the rural health workforce. Lastly, COVID-19 continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality in Australia, with vaccination being associated with lower risk of severe outcomes. The study emphasizes the importance of supporting COVID-19 vaccination uptake in the community. [Extracted from the article]