Australians urged not to be complacent with annual COVID-19 vaccination

Lung Foundation Australia is joining forces with a coalition of Australia’s leading health organisations to urge people to get their annual COVID-19 vaccination.

Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said regular vaccinations are the best way to maintain protection against becoming unwell with COVID-19.

“Lung Foundation Australia, alongside our fellow national health bodies, is urging people not to be complacent,” Mr Brooke said.

“COVID-19 remains one of the top 10 leading causes of death in Australia, I’m urging people to get their annual vaccinations.”

“For people living with lung disease, vaccination remains one of the most powerful ways to protect against severe disease. We also want all members of the community to consider the potential benefits of staying up to date with annual vaccinations even if they don’t identify as being in a high-risk demographic.”

Advice from The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) released today recommends a COVID-19 vaccine dose every six months for Australians aged 75 years and over, and every 12 months for those aged 65 to 74 years and those aged 18 to 64 with severe immunocompromise. All other adults aged 18 to 64 years and children aged five to 18 with severe immunocompromise are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine every 12 months.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, high vaccination coverage was important to government easing of public health restrictions in Australia. At the end of 2021, over 90% of the Australian population aged over 16 had been fully vaccinated. Concerningly, latest data shows that vaccination coverage in line with the ATAGI recommendations is very poor, with only 1 in 6 people (17%) aged 75 years and older having received a vaccine dose in the last 6 months, only 1 in 4 people (24%) aged 65 to 74 having received a vaccine dose in the last 12 months, and only 1 in 20 people (5%) aged 18 to 64 years having received a vaccine dose in the last 12 months.

“The data shows us that the need to promote the importance of getting annual vaccinations is more important than ever. It is something we must all work towards together,” Mr Brooke said.

To protect yourself and your loved ones, ensure your COVID-19 vaccination is up to date. COVID-19 vaccines are 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.

Quotes attributable to leading health organisations coalition:

Public Health Association of Australia CEO Terry Slevin: “Annual vaccines are our best defence against COVID-19. It is the best way to prevent the short-and long-term impacts of the virus on our health and wellbeing. Now is an important time to reinforce the importance and value of vaccinations, with winter on the way and in the face of concerning international developments that may be undermining faith in vaccination.”

Palliative Care Australia CEO Camilla Rowland: “We each have a role to play in protecting our community, especially those who are already vulnerable and living with a terminal illness. If you have questions about the vaccine, please ask your doctor or a nurse and play your part in protecting our community.”

Stroke Foundation CEO Dr Lisa Murphy: “Evidence shows that the risk of stroke is increased in people who contract COVID-19 or experience Long COVID. Likewise, people who have previously had a stroke are at an increased risk of more severe symptoms or complications if they contract COVID-19. We encourage community members to speak to their health professional, and, where appropriate, take up COVID-19 vaccinations to reduce their risk.”

Asthma Australia CEO Kate Miranda: “People with asthma are vulnerable to respiratory viruses including COVID-19, especially those whose condition is not well controlled. Asthma Australia encourages people with asthma to make sure they are taking all recommended steps to protect themselves from severe COVID-19 illness.”

National Asthma Council Australia Clinical Executive Lead, Clinical Associate Professor Debbie Rigby: “Annual COVID vaccination is recommended for people living with asthma – it’s a simple step that provides significant protection. People with asthma are more likely to require hospitalisation if they get a severe case of COVID-19. And COVID-19 infection can trigger asthma flare-ups and persisting symptoms. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine and keeping vaccination status updated as a preventive measure is highly recommended.”

Emerge Australia CEO Anne Wilson: “Emerge Australia supports vaccination against COVID-19 as recommended by ATAGI. People living with ME/CFS and long COVID, in partnership with their treating doctor, should discuss whether boosters are appropriate for them.”

Leading health bodies supporting the COVID vaccination push include Lung Foundation Australia, Public Health Association of Australia, Palliative Care Australia, Stroke Foundation, Asthma Australia, National Asthma Council Australia, Emerge Australia.