Key PointsCOVID-19 and influenza instances are rising throughout Australia.Many Australians are overdue for his or her COVID booster.The AMA is urging individuals to get their flu vaccine and COVID booster on the similar time.
A fifth wave of COVID-19 infections is looming this winter, with Australians being urged to get their booster and flu vaccine on the similar time.
Greater than six months have handed because the majority of Australians had a , sparking issues the nation may very well be headed for a fifth wave of infections.
A mean of 5,517 COVID-19 infections have been being recorded per day as of 30 Might, greater than double the common each day fee in March.
Influenza instances are additionally on the rise with 17,277 recorded between 15 and 28 Might, greater than double the earlier fortnight’s complete.
Australian Medical Affiliation president Steve Robson is urging Australians to rise up to this point with each their COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine, which might be finished on the similar time.
Greater than 16.5 million Australians haven’t obtained a COVID-19 booster shot in additional than six months, in accordance with the AMA.
“The age of lockdowns and restrictions is over, so it is comprehensible why many individuals are falling right into a false sense of safety, however the newest information reveals the virus is infecting 1000’s of Australians every single day,” Dr Robson mentioned on Thursday.
“Having a COVID-19 booster and a flu shot on the similar time is an efficient and protected means of guaranteeing you’re shielded from each viruses.
“We’re seeing a big spike within the variety of flu and COVID instances, making this a doubtlessly harmful winter, significantly for aged and immunocompromised individuals.”
Dr Robson additionally urged dad and mom to make sure their youngsters have been protected.
“As we all know, youngsters underneath 5 years of age aren’t badly affected by COVID-19, however influenza might be extraordinarily severe for them, so it’s essential they get their flu photographs as quickly as potential.”
