Contributor Article

A spike in COVID-19 hospitalisations and the emergence of a new subvariant has prompted calls by national medical experts for Queenslanders including those right across the Douglas Shire 65 years and older to have a current booster shot.

As it stands there are currently 146 people in Queensland hospitals with COVID - that's twice the number of hospitalisations two weeks ago.

Queensland Health Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said the rise in cases was largely due to low booster rates in older Queenslanders and the emergence of the new BA.2.86 variant, known also as Pirola.

He said Queenslanders who are older or who have medical comorbidities that put them at higher risk should get a booster vaccine shot if they have not had one in 2023.

“We are seeing a clear increase in COVID-19 transmission in Queensland at the moment,” Dr Gerrard said.

“The number of people hospitalised with the virus has doubled over the past two weeks and I expect hospital admissions will rise in the coming week.

“Now is a good time to get a COVID-19 booster if you are aged 65 or over and haven’t had one in 2023.

“This is even more important for people over 75 years if it has been more than six months since your last dose.”

Dr Gerrard said it was essential Queenslanders, including those across the Douglas Shire did not become complacent about the risk of COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has not established a predictable seasonal pattern as yet and it continues to mutate, which is why we all need to be vigilant,” he said.

“Vaccination remains our best protection against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

“In addition to getting vaccinated, Queenslanders need to stay home when sick and regularly wash their hands to minimise the spread of COVID-19.”