Key Factors
- COVID-19 and influenza circumstances are rising throughout Australia.
- Many Australians are overdue for his or her COVID booster.
- The AMA is urging individuals to get their flu vaccine and COVID booster on the identical time.
A fifth wave of COVID-19 infections is looming this winter, with Australians being urged to get their booster and flu vaccine on the identical time.
Greater than six months have handed for the reason that majority of Australians had a , sparking considerations the nation could possibly be headed for a fifth wave of infections.
A median of 5,517 COVID-19 infections had been being recorded per day as of 30 Might, greater than double the typical each day charge in March.
Influenza circumstances are additionally on the rise with 17,277 recorded between 15 and 28 Might, greater than double the earlier fortnight’s complete.
Australian Medical Affiliation president Steve Robson is urging Australians to stand up to this point with each their COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine, which may be carried out on the identical time.
Greater than 16.5 million Australians haven’t obtained a COVID-19 booster shot in additional than six months, based on the AMA.
“The age of lockdowns and restrictions is over, so it is comprehensible why many individuals are falling right into a false sense of safety, however the newest information exhibits the virus is infecting hundreds of Australians each day,” Dr Robson stated on Thursday.
“Having a COVID-19 booster and a flu shot on the identical time is an efficient and secure method of guaranteeing you’re shielded from each viruses.
“We’re seeing a big spike within the variety of flu and COVID circumstances, making this a probably harmful winter, significantly for aged and immunocompromised individuals.”
Dr Robson additionally urged mother and father to make sure their youngsters had been protected.
“As we all know, youngsters beneath 5 years of age aren’t badly affected by COVID-19, however influenza may be extraordinarily severe for them, so it’s essential they get their flu pictures as quickly as potential.”