Christmas Grinch: New strains of Covid on the loose as new vaccines rolled out – InQueensland

Wednesday November 22, 2023

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A new wave of COVID-19 cases is hitting the country, as experts warn people to remain vigilant and stay up to date with their vaccines as holidays approach.

Associate Professor James Trauer, head of the epidemiological modelling unit at Monash University, says there has been a surge of COVID-19 infections passing through the community.

Vaccination remains our most important defence against COVID, even though the virus shouldnt ruin Christmas this year, he said.

COVID-19 is now an endemic virus, which means it cannot be eliminated and is continuously transmitted.

Surges in coronavirus cases were generally caused by new variants, which meant it was more difficult than ever to predict when these waves would peak, Prof Trauer said.

Scientists view of community transmission is further muddied by a lack of data.

With a marked decline in testing, the daily number of cases does not paint a clear picture of the spread of the virus, though researchers can still use hospital admission numbers and wastewater surveillance to monitor COVID-19 waves.

The severity of coronavirus cases has decreased and fewer Australians are being admitted to the intensive care unit because of high levels of population immunity garnered through vaccinations and natural protection from past infections.

But Prof Trauer says Australians should still exercise caution by wearing a mask and testing before interacting with vulnerable populations, such as those older than 65 years and especially Australians more than 75.

They should also seek booster vaccines as they provide longer-term immunity than reinfection.

New COVID-19 vaccines, which target common variants of the virus, will be made available to the public from December.

Pfizers monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccine will be available for use in eligible Australians five years and older, while the Moderna monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccine can be used for those aged 12 and older.

Those who had their 2023 vaccinations do not need to get jabbed again, but authorities say only one quarter of vulnerable Australians have had their booster shots.

Our most important protection against the effects of COVID is immunity, which can be enhanced through vaccination, Prof Trauer said.

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Christmas Grinch: New strains of Covid on the loose as new vaccines rolled out - InQueensland