Dr: Protect loved ones

“COVID fatigue is real and expected, but it is still important to protect your loved ones and community”

Wimmera health leaders are reminding the community to continue to protect themselves against COVID-19 with booster vaccines, if eligible, and safe practices.

The Federal Government recommends an additional COVID-19 vaccine booster for people at increased risk of severe illness, with severely immunocompromised people now eligible to receive a fifth dose.

Grampians Health chief strategy and regions officer Dr Robert Grenfell said COVID-SAFE practices, such as maskwearing and maintaining social distancing where appropriate, should remain front of mind for community members.

“COVID fatigue is real and expected, but it is still important to protect your loved ones and the community,” he said.

“The Grampians Public Health Unit continues to work closely with the Department of Health and remains supportive of Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommendations.”

An additional booster vaccine can be administered three months after the first booster dose. People at increased risk who are eligible for fourth or fifth boosters include those 50 years or older, or 16 years or older, are a resident of an aged care or disability care facility, severely immunocompromised, have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness, or a disability.

Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, ATAGI, has advised people aged 30 to 49 years old can receive an additional booster if they choose.

ATAGI does not recommend that healthy people aged 16 years to under 30 years who do not have risk factors for severe COVID-19 receive an additional booster dose.

Across the state, 80.1 percent of Victorians aged 50 to 64 years have had their third dose and 32.3 percent have had their recommended fourth dose.

Of those aged 65 and older, 90.9 percent have had their third dose and 68.5 percent have had their fourth dose.

There are 70.6 percent of people aged 16 and over who have had three doses.

Dr Grenfell said eligible individuals were encouraged to consider antiviral medications to assist in the management of COVID symptoms.

“Having a COVID plan in place with a general practitioner will ensure that eligible individuals can get timely access to antiviral medications if they do become Covid-positive,” he said.

People who are eligible for COVID-19 medicines are those most likely to need hospital care, including people who are aged 70 and older, aged 50 and older with certain health conditions, have a weakened immune system, disability or are born with heart disease, or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 30 and older.

People wanting to book a COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose can visit www. covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking

– Dr Rob Grenfell