During this wave, susceptible groups such as older people and those with chronic illness or who are immunocompromised can enhance their immunity and reduce their risk of severe illness by having a COVID-19 vaccine booster.
Latest case numbers reported on Friday show a nearly 50 per cent jump in a week – with 2493 weekly cases recorded, compared to 1691 the week before.
This compares to 546 cases recorded in the last week of August.
Hospitalisations have remained steady, with an average of 30 people a week admitted with COVID-19 but there is often up to a two-week lag in hospitalisations after case numbers increase.
As a relatively new virus, we can expect waves of COVID-19 approximately every three to six months as population level immunity naturally wanes over time.
Latest ATAGI advice recommends a booster for people aged 75 years and older if six months has elapsed from the last booster dose or COVID-19 infection, regardless of whether they had a booster early in 2023. In addition, people with impaired immunity through older age, chronic disease or immunocompromise may benefit from having a second booster in 2023. However, immune memory, particularly that generated by vaccine remains adequate for the rest of the population.
The most common variant reported in South Australia at the moment is XBB, a recombinant Omicron variant. Less than five per cent of currently circulating strains are BA.2.86, a relatively new Omicron variant which is commonly referred to as Pirola. The current wave does not appear to be driven by Pirola.
Vaccine booster doses are readily available through GPs and pharmacies. Current vaccinations offer protection against all variants, reducing the likelihood of severe disease, hospitalisation and death.
In addition, people who are in higher-risk groups are encouraged to have a plan in place with their GP to receive antiviral treatments if they contract COVID-19.
As a reminder, COVID-19 symptoms can vary from very mild to severe, and can include runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever or chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache, changes in taste or smell and muscle and body aches.
Regardless of whether you test COVID-19 positive or not, if you are sick, stay at home until your symptoms have resolved to reduce the risk of spreading your infection to others more at risk.
For more information visit the SA Health website.
The latest ATAGI advice can be found here.
As put by Chris Picton
With South Australia experiencing a COVID-19 wave as we head into the festive season, we are asking people to take sensible steps to protect themselves, their loved ones and the community.
This is especially important if you are older or live in an aged care facility, and for those with medical conditions that increase the risk of severe disease.
If you are eligible, please get a booster. Check in with your GP and make a plan so you can get antivirals quickly. It could save you a trip to hospital, or your life.
As put by Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier
As South Australians we have the tools to reduce the impact of this current wave, and to protect those we love from severe illness from COVID-19.
I strongly recommend if you have a family member living in residential aged care, and they haven’t had a vaccination or a COVID-19 infection in the last six months, to speak to their aged care provider and support them to have another booster dose this week.
Please take measures to protect others who are more susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19, including avoiding contact with them if you have symptoms and wearing a mask when necessary.
