The nation’s peak lung health body has urged Australians to ensure they’re up-to-date with COVID vaccinations as we head into the busy festive season.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said complacency would kill when it came to passing on COVID to vulnerable community and family members, including older Australians who were more at risk.
“The most important thing you can consider this holiday period is the gift of life – don’t give COVID for Christmas,” Mr Brooke said.
“Hospitals and doctors are already reporting increases in COVID infections, and worryingly there are millions of Australians who have not had a booster in over six months.”
Mr Brooke said the latest data showed less than a quarter of people aged 65 to 74 years had received a booster dose in the last six months, and figures plummeted to just 5.5 per cent for those aged 18 to 64 years, a frighteningly low benchmark.
“We need to see more people getting their boosters now, so they are better protected by the time community and family events really ramp up into December and do what they can to protect others, like staying home if unwell and practising good hygiene,” he said.
“For the first time in 30 years we are seeing Australians’ overall life expectancy go backward, and it’s a direct result of COVID deaths. We can turn that around if people take vaccination recommendations seriously.”
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation’s (ATAGI) booster recommendations are available on Lung Foundation Australia’s website including:
All people aged 18-64 years should consider a 2023 booster dose, while a 2023 booster dose is recommended for people who are either 65+ years, or aged 18-64 years who have medical issues which increase the risk of severe COVID-19 infection.
People who have received a COVID-19 booster dose this year, but over six months ago, may also be eligible for a second 2023 dose.
For media enquiries please contact:
Lung Foundation Australia Media and Communications Specialist
Anna Hilton
0408 191 192
annah@lungfoundation.com.au