BOOST YOUR ODDS OF STAYING HEALTHY AND PROTECTING OTHERS

AUSTRALIA’S Covid-19 vaccination rollout enters an important new phase tomorrow – with children aged 5 to 11 years becoming eligible.

And in recent weeks, about three million Australians have had a booster dose to provide them with even greater protection against Covid-19. These are important developments in our response to the pandemic that will further increase the protection of the Australian community against the virus.

I encourage all parents and guardians of children aged 5 to 11 to get them vaccinated as soon as possible – for their protection and that of the wider community.

I also encourage all Australians eligible for their booster dose, and who haven’t yet received it, to make a booking to get it as soon as possible.

As Australia continues to reopen and we return to a more normal way of living, community spread of Covid-19 will increase. We are now learning to live with Covid-19 while ensuring those most vulnerable to its harms have the greatest protection possible.

We know that two doses of the vaccines that have been administered in Australia are very effective at preventing severe illness and death from Covid-19. But in the short time the Omicron variant has been around, the vaccination equation has changed a little.

Evidence suggests the vaccines are not as effective at preventing transmission of Omicron compared to earlier variants – particularly if a person has not had a booster dose.

This is why it is so important for people to get their booster as soon as they become eligible. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Moderna or Pfizer. They both work well.

If you are not vaccinated, or are eligible for a booster and haven’t yet had it, or have a child aged 5 to 11, make an appointment today.

Professor Paul Kelly is the Australian Government’s Chief Medical Officer.