Some PCR tests done in late February took more than 16 days to be returned, new data can reveal. Experts have deemed the delays ridiculous and unacceptable, but also believe it contributed to a higher growth rate of the Omicron…

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A man has been flown to hospital in what is believed to be a critical condition and a child has also been hospitalised following an assault in Melbourne's west.

Emergency services were called to a home on Parkleigh Drive in Kurunjang just before 8.30am following what police have described as an assault.

It is believed the assault was a stabbing.

READ MORE: Woman and two children killed in car fire beside Melbourne highway

Police have said they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.

Ambulance Victoria has advised the man is believed to be in a critical condition.

He is under police guard in hospital.

Police have said the child has minor injuries.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

A woman in her 30s and two girls aged under six have been found dead after a car burst into flames in Melbourne's south-east.

Emergency services were called to a fire by the Western Port Highway in Cranbourne West just before 8pm yesterday.

Firefighters rushed to extinguish the intense blaze, which had spread from the car, parked about 15 metres from the side of the highway, into nearby paddocks.

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After the fire was put out, the bodies of a woman and two children were found in the hatchback.

A truck driver stopped to help at the scene during the fire, while multiple witnesses called Triple Zero.

The exact circumstances leading up to the fire have not been determined, but it is believed the car was parked when the fire began.

Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are now investigating.

Police said they are "not looking for anybody else at this time".

Detectives are now calling for any witnesses or anybody who may have dashcam footage of the fire.

https://twitter.com/LanaMurphy/status/1507169426608893952

Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.

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A 52-year-old is lucky not to have suffered more serious injuries after a "homemade explosive device" exploded as he picked it up in a front yard in Logan.

The man picked up a bucket outside a home on Jacaranda Avenue in Kingston when it exploded yesterday afternoon.

The man suffered shrapnel injuries and flesh wounds as well as concussion injuries in the blast.

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"At this stage we're still investigating what was contained within this explosive device," Detective Senior Sergeant Nicola Brown said.

"He's sustained quite significant injuries."

The man had surgery yesterday and is in Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.

Police are yet to formally interview him.

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Nearby resident Sam was in his home down the road when he heard the blast.

"The first explosion I heard was a big loud sound," he told Today.

"After maybe three, four, five minutes, there was a second explosion.

"Very scary."

Police are now appealing to the public for any information or dashcam footage.

"We do believe that it could possibly be a targeted event," Detective Senior Sergeant Brown said.

"We don't believe there's any threat to the wider community."

An emergency declaration made under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) has now been revoked.

Specialist police set up a crime scene and an emergency declaration was made.

Police spent the night searching the area and investigations are ongoing.

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At risk Australians are being advised to get a fourth pre-winter dose of COVID-19 vaccine as the Omicron sub-variant pushes up case numbers ahead of a potentially serious flu season.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) today confirmed the fourth dose had been approved and would be rolled out from April 4.

But who should get them, and is there a risk of getting the flu and coronavirus vaccine close together?

Here is everything you need to know about the fourth dose rollout.

READ MORE: Fourth COVID-19 jab set for rollout as cases surge around country

Who should get a fourth COVID-19 vaccine?

Only four "at risks" groups have been approved for a fourth booster shot by ATAGI:

These include:

• People 65 and over
• First Nations Australians 50 and over
• Residents in aged care or disability settings
• Immunocompromised people.

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Can I get a flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster at the same time?

In updated health advice, ATAGI said it is okay for patients to get both a flu shot and a COVID-19 booster on the same day.

"All COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with an influenza vaccine," it said.

ATAGI explained a resurgence of influence is expected in 2022 with borders reopening.

"If a person had a 2021 influenza vaccine in late 2021 or early 2022, they are still recommended to receive a 2022 formulation of influenza vaccine when it becomes available," it said.

Can under 65s get a fourth vaccine?

At this stage the only people under 65 that can get a vaccine are the immunocompromised, residents in aged care or disability settings and Indigenous Australians 50 and over.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the fourth booster rollout is unlikely to expand beyond these groups in the immediate future.

"It is only recommended for those groups at this point in time," Mr Hunt said, explaining ATAGI looked at international evidence from countries such as Israel to make their determination.

"There is always room for review.

"(But) at this stage we're not predicting this is likely to change."

When should I get the fourth COVID-19 booster?

Mr Hunt said the fourth vaccine is recommended four to six months after the last booster.

Where should I get my fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose?

Doses will be administered at pharmacies, GPs as well as government-run vaccine hubs.

What vaccines are available for boosters?

There are four coronavirus vaccines currently approved for use in Australia; AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax.

Does it matter which vaccine I get for the booster?

The Australian Government said it is okay to mix vaccine doses but this is dependent on your age.

"If you are 18 years or older, you can have the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as a booster dose regardless of which vaccine you had for your first two doses," it said on its website.

"You can also receive the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) vaccine if you can't have the Pfizer vaccine for medical reasons.

"If you are 16 or 17 (or have turned 16 since you had your primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine) you can have the Pfizer vaccine as a booster dose."

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