A surge of COVID cases and the emergence of a new variant ahead have raised concerns from health authorities, with doctors warning Queenslanders have “dropped the ball” on vaccination.
Figures show more than 15,000 COVID cases have been reported in Queensland since January, with nearly 3000 people hospitalised with the virus.
At the same time, fewer than 250,000 Queenslanders have received their free booster jab this year, which Mater’s director of infectious diseases Professor Paul Griffin said was the lowest since COVID vaccines were introduced.
NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily than other variants, but has similar symptoms.Credit: nnajoshua.buchwald
“We have dropped the ball with COVID-19 vaccinations, but this disease is still very prevalent in the community and poses a serious threat to high-risk patients,” Griffin said.
The figures arrived as NB.1.8.1 – a sublineage of the Omicron variant – emerged, which Griffin said was driving up infections and hospitalisations, particularly in Asia and Western Australia.
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“The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get the newest booster, which provides very good coverage, is safe, and will reduce the severity of your symptoms if you contract COVID-19.”
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler also urged Australians to get a booster, particularly people over 75, who should have a booster every six months, and those between 65 and 74, who should have one every 12 months.
“For everyone else, have a serious think,” he added. “I’ve just got my booster over the last couple of weeks, and I think that puts me in a good position over winter, and other Australians should make sure that they equip themselves similarly.”
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