As we celebrate the festive season with our loved ones, Lung Foundation Australia is urging all Australians to be mindful of COVID-19 and ensure they are taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.
While most have learned to live with and understand the general health risk of COVID-19, the virus continues to have a significant impact on those living with lung diseases such as lung cancer or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). People living with respiratory vulnerabilities are at an increased risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and even death from COVID-19.
According to Lung Foundation Australia’s recent Adult Vaccination Survey, more than half of respondents living with lung disease were very worried about contracting a respiratory infection, compared to a fifth of respondents not living with lung disease.
A new COVID-19 booster has been made available that will give protection against current variants. One survey respondent to the Adult Vaccination Survey highlights the importance of regular booster shots in preventing severe disease from COVID-19.
“When I had pneumonia, I was hospitalised and my lung function was quite affected and laboured. But COVID-19 had little impact on my lung function, probably due to all those jabs I had thanks to my very persistent doctor,” the respondent said.
Another respondent, Lynn Stewart, shares how COVID-19 impacted her life. Before the pandemic, Lynn had occasional asthma and allergies. However, after contracting the virus twice in the span of two years, COVID-19 has left Lynn with a heart condition and small airways disease from inflammation.
“My message to Australians is to get vaccinated. I know COVID-19 is accepted as part of daily life, but the risk is still there, especially for people like me. I really can’t afford to get COVID-19 again,” she said.
Despite there being recognition that vaccines are the best tool we have against COVID-19, only 34% of 65–74-year-olds have received their recommended vaccine in the last 12 months, while 23% of Australians over 75 have received their recommended vaccine in the last 6 months.
Australians without severe immunocompromise aged 18–64-year-olds are encouraged to consider a booster every 12 months. However very few do, with only 6% of Australians in this age bracket receiving a vaccine in the last 12 months.
Not only is the vaccine important for protecting Australians against COVID-19 and minimising disruptions this holiday season, it also reduces the likelihood of experiencing long COVID, which affects individuals of any age, background or health status. Symptoms can include fatigue, breathlessness and brain fog, and may impact affected individuals for months after contracting COVID-19.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke explains that COVID-19 boosters should be front of mind, no matter what your age or health situation is.
“As Australians take a well-deserved break to spend time with their loved ones, they should take this as a reminder to have their COVID-19 booster to ensure they remain safe and healthy throughout the holidays,” Mr. Brooke said.
“The vaccine is free and easy to access, so consider receiving your booster today,” Mr. Brooke continued.
As well as receiving a COVID-19 booster, other precautions people can take to protect themselves and others include practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding crowded indoor spaces or wearing a mask, and staying home if unwell. If you or someone in your household may be at risk of becoming severely unwell from COVID-19 infection, consult your GP or health practitioner to make sure you have a plan for what to do if you get COVID-19.
How often should you get your COVID-19 booster:
The current recommendations for COVID-19 boosters are:
- Aged 75 and over: Boosters recommended every 6 months.
- Aged 65-74: Boosters recommended every 12 months.
- Aged 18-64: Boosters recommended annually for those with severe immunocompromise; others should consider getting the booster every 12 months.
To protect yourself and your loved ones, ensure your COVID-19 vaccination is up to date. The booster is free and easily accessible at pharmacies and medical clinics across Australia. For more information about COVID-19, visit Lung Foundation Australia’s COVID-19 page.
For media enquiries please contact:
Deirdre McGinn, on behalf of Lung Foundation Australia
0411 208 408
deirdre@sabio.com.au