Vaccines critical for winter protection
Maeve Bannister |
Winter is coming, bringing with it an expected uptick in COVID-19 cases across Australia.
But experts say a surge in the number of flu cases could possibly be delayed until 2023, based on the recent experience of people in the northern hemisphere.
“Countries like the United States had influenza, but their experience wasn’t as bad as what was expected after two years of few (flu) cases circulating,” infectious diseases expert Peter Collignon told AAP.
Professor Collignon said while it’s a good idea to have a flu vaccine this year, Australia may only see the return of widespread flu cases in winter 2023 as international travel numbers return to pre-pandemic levels.
“The pandemic is not yet over,” he said.
“We haven’t had any flu for two years (in Australia), but we can’t predict what’s in store.”
This year, people aged 65 and older, Indigenous Australians aged at least 50, disability care residents and the immunocompromised are eligible for a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Health Minister Greg Hunt says anyone eligible for a winter COVID-19 shot should come forward.
“You can pair it with your annual flu shot, which will help protect you against both the flu and COVID-19 this winter,” he said in a statement.
“Vaccines are your best protection against the most severe impacts of COVID and may provide protection against long COVID.
“Even if you have had COVID-19, it is important to maximise your protection from severe illness and have a booster.”
LATEST 24-HOUR COVID-19 DATA FROM ACROSS AUSTRALIA:
NSW: 19,183 cases, 12 deaths, 1467 in hospital, 56 in ICU
Victoria: 12,007 cases, eight deaths, 339 in hospital, 18 in ICU
Tasmania: 2437 cases, no deaths, 44 in hospital, two in ICU
ACT: 918 cases, one death, 41 in hospital, five in ICU
Queensland: 9946 cases, eight deaths, 479 in hospital, 15 in ICU
Western Australia: 8145 cases, five historical deaths, 242 in hospital, six in ICU.
AAP
