Covid-19 infection rates have soared by more than 30 percent in the past two weeks, while vaccination rates sit at historic lows.
Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater said the new highly transmissible strain NB.1.8.1 had surged across Queensland, accounting for almost half of all infections.
Professor Griffin said almost 2000 people reported testing positive, and more than 320 people have been hospitalised for Covid, in the past fortnight, two thirds of whom are aged over 65.
“Now is the time to get your Covid booster. It’s not too late, and it’s safe to get it at the same time as you get your flu jab. And both are free and available from most GP’s and pharmacies,” he said.
“Everyone should get a flu vaccine every year and most adults are eligible for a Covid vaccine yearly, and high-risk people may even be recommended to receive it every six months.”
Professor Griffin said less than 250,000 Queenslanders had received their free Covid vaccine this year.
“People need to take this new strain seriously because it is highly transmissible and it does pose a significant threat to high-risk patients.”
He said more than 17,612 Covid cases have been reported in Queensland since January, with around 3000 people hospitalised with the virus.
“The vaccination rate is at its lowest since vaccines were introduced in 2021.
“People have become complacent with Covid-19 vaccinations, but the new subvariant NB.1.8.1 is now responsible for almost half of all Covid cases and it’s driving up hospitalisations globally and here in Australia and Queensland.”
Professor Griffin said more than 500 people had died from Covid so far this year.
He said the new subvariant NB 1.8.1 continued to be closely monitored by the World Health Organization which said current Covid vaccines were effective in preventing severe symptoms.
