Victoria posted a new national record for new COVID cases day yesterday, with 1763 cases.

There have been a number of worrying big days recently, and there are few signs that the outbreak is slowing down in any meaningful way.

So what could be going on, especially considering vaccination levels in Victoria are now higher than they were in NSW when that state hit its peak several weeks ago.

That's on today's Coronacast.

Also on today's show:

* Kids and schools and ventilation

* I know this could change any second, but how have we managed to dodge so many bullets in Queensland?

* Can you tell me what the difference is between a 12 year old and a 10 year old getting vaccinated?

* Tegan starts a drug name etymology club. Who wants in?!

NSW is only days away from hitting the 70 per cent double dose vaccination figure, which will see the city begin its reopening from early next week.

And while Victoria is a few weeks behind, hospitalisation and ICU data there are showing dramatic drop offs in the percentages who are admitted.

It's yet another success story for COVID-19 vaccines, and hopefully is a sign of even better things to come.

But on today's Coronacast, if vaccines are so successful why are we hearing about more people in hospital for COVID treatment who have had a shot?

Also on today's show:

* All you questions on COVID-19 treatments answered: we talk molnupiravir and sotrovimab

'Go hard, go early' was the playbook when there was a Delta outbreak in Victoria in early August.

But nearly two months later the state is on the same curve as NSW was.

So why is Victoria tracking the same way NSW did when it responded more quickly? And does it mean we can expect the curve to bend when vaccination rates rise?

Also on today's show:

* If I successfully fend of an infection, does that help my immune system?

* What's the ideal gap for AstraZeneca vaccination?

* Quick Fire Friday returns with: What Would Norman Do?

The outbreaks in NSW and Victoria are now large enough that it's impossible to follow what's happening with the detail that we once used to be able to.

But one thing that we should keep an eye on is hospitalisation and deaths coming from the outbreaks.

In NSW, it seems as though hospitalisations are falling - as more people come forward for vaccinations. In Victoria, the numbers are still rising.

So on today's Coronacast, how are Australia's outbreaks tracking? And what might we expect in coming weeks?

Also on today's show:

* Hello South Australia

* Clarifications about Monday's episode on Pfizer transmission data

The medicines regulator in Australia has paved the way for home-testing COVID-19 kits to be made available from November 1st.

Currently, the most common way people are tested for COVID is via a PCR test, which requires at least a day's wait, a lab and fancy equipment.

But soon, people will be able to do a rapid antigen test at home and get a result in 15 minutes.

So on today's Coronacast, what is a rapid antigen test? And why might it be more useful as we start to reopen?

Also on today's show:

* Whatever happened to fully vaccinated meaning 2 doses + 2 weeks?

* Norman, when do you think you will feel comfortable boarding an airplane?

With nearly 52 per cent of Australians over 16 years now fully vaccinated, there is more and more talk about opening up once it's safe.

But there are other parts of the world that are a bit ahead of us, opening up and removing all restrictions.

The UK removed restrictions in July, Denmark ended COVID restrictions two weeks ago, and Norway removed restrictions over the weekend.

So on today's Coronacast, what can we learn from those countries on our own path to eventually reopening?

Also on today's show:

* You said that Pfizer drops 22 per cent every month in effectiveness. Does this mean that after 5 months if you had Pfizer, you're no longer protected against COVID?

* Is there any risk of catching the virus from swimming pool water?

Australia's vaccination rate increasing over the weeks has been a thing of beauty to watch, and hopefully soon will help pay out dividends.

But along with helping prevent the hospital system from collapsing, vaccines might be better than we thought at helping you avoid catching COVID-19 at all.

A pre-print study out of the UK has recently reported back in a massive study and has been able to slice and dice all sorts of variables when it comes to avoiding COVID.

But there are some interesting differences depending on which vaccine you got.

*** AFTER THIS EPISODE, WE'RE TAKING A WEEK OFF! WE'LL BACK ON THE 27TH SEPTEMBER! ***

Victorians have hit their first big vaccine milestone of 70 percent first dose coverage, and have been given a slight reprieve in lockdown restrictions.

Small outdoor gatherings, increased distances of travel for shopping or exercise and reopening of outdoor exercise equipment are some of the changes.

But as Melbourne - and Sydney - take small steps to eventual reopening, what are the chances that they - or other parts of the country - will end up back in lockdown down the line?

Also on today's show:

* Do NSW data show that our vaccines might be better at preventing infection than we thought?

* Peer reviewed data from Israel shows boosters work for the Pfizer vaccine

* How long will it be until a person with COVID-19 does not need to isolate for 14 days?

* Has any research been conducted to determine a difference in vaccine reactions between males and females?

* My son is 15 months old and has never been sick. Is there any research about what COVID-19 might do with an almost completely new immune system?

NSW yesterday hit a new milestone for vaccination in Australia.

More than 80 per cent of the state has now had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and it's still rocketing along.

While it's still several more weeks before the 70 per cent double vaccination targets are met, for everyone under lockdown it's a wonderful thing to see.

Add to that the hope that the state could be starting to see that the curve in new cases is levelling off.

Also on today's show:

* Lockdowns see life get worse for many Australians

* What are the chances of someone taking the COVID-19 virus to a gym or club, pub or restaurant if only the fully vaccinated are allowed in?