This winter, we are experiencing significant community transmission of both COVID-19 and influenza, which is placing real stress on our community and health system.
We are now beginning to see a new wave of COVID-19 infections, driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants. We expect that this wave will lead to a substantial increase in infections, hospitalisations and sadly, deaths, at a time when our communities and health systems are already under strain. Without increased community and public health actions, this impact may be similar to that experienced during the BA.1 wave in January this year.
BA.4 and BA.5 are associated with increased immune escape and we are likely to see rates of reinfection rise among those who have previously been infected with an earlier COVID-19 variant and those who are up to date with their vaccinations. Vaccination continues to be the most important protection against severe illness.
Given reinfections may occur as early as 28 days after recovery from a previous COVID-19 infection, the AHPPC advises that the reinfection period be reduced from 12 weeks to 28 days. People who test positive to COVID-19 more than 28 days after ending isolation due to previous infection should be reported and managed as new cases.
The AHPPC reiterates the shared responsibility of individuals, employers and governments in minimising the impact of COVID-19. There are a range of health behaviours all Australians can undertake to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, protect the community, in particular those most at risk, and protect our health system and essential services, such as:
- Staying up to date with your vaccinations
- The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends that adults aged 50 to 64 years receive a winter booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
- Adults aged 30 to 49 years can also now receive a winter booster dose
