In recent months, individuals suffering from respiratory pathogen infections, including COVID-19, have placed an increased pressure on the Australian healthcare system, particularly hospitals. A rise in COVID-19 cases caused by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants has contributed to this issue, and this issue is expected to become worse in the coming months.
A subvariant of Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants can partly escape the immune response created by both vaccination and infection. The immune response to these new subvariants becomes increased by a first booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine, but it declines over time. A winter dose (the second booster dose) will be helpful to boost this immune response back to a safe level.
severe illness or death from the emerging Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariant infections can be reduced with the help of ATAGI's updated recommendations for a winter dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Individuals in high-risk populations should receive winter boosters of COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the risk of illness caused by the virus.
People aged 30 to 49 years old can receive a fourth dose as ATAGI advised.
People at increased risk of severe illness should receive a fourth dose, or booster, three months after their first booster dose. People who are severely immunocompromised will receive a fifth dose as an extra booster.
Stay up to date with all vaccinations recommended for your age or individual health needs in order to get the best protection against serious illness or death from COVID-19. Boosters are crucial to maintain this protection.
Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). Winter dose of COVID-19.
The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
The content shared on this blog is based on the author’s research, personal experience, and available knowledge, and while every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is made regarding its completeness, accuracy, reliability, or timeliness. Medical information is constantly evolving, and individual health situations may vary. The use of any information provided on this blog is solely at your own risk.
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