The current winter wave of Omicron has seen those aged 60 years and over adversely affected, with higher levels of hospitalisation, especially in Victoria and New South Wales.
Numbers from New South Wales health show a large jump in those hospitalised from COVID in that age group from April to July.
At the end of February those in the 60-plus age group made up under half of COVID hospitalisations, but by the last week of July they made up almost 70 per cent.
Infectious diseases expert Professor Peter Collignon said this latest wave was definitely affecting older people more due to the current circulation levels of the virus.
Victorian Numbers
Across Victoria over 69 percent of people aged 12 years and older are now up to date with three COVID-19 vaccination doses, while almost 95 percent have received two doses.
In addition, almost 57 percent of children aged five to 11 years in the state have now received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine.
Victoria has recorded over 4,911 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 with ONE life lost.
Concerns over low third dose rates
New figures show the number of Australians receiving a third dose of a COVID vaccine is slowing down.
While over 71 per cent of eligible Australians have received their third dose, over five and a half million eligible people are yet to do so.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said that the uptake on booster doses has ‘flatlined’ and that this was very concerning.
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Good ventilation key in fighting COVID
Victoria’s chief health officer says that good ventilation is key for fighting COVID.
Professor Brett Sutton recently appeared in two videos focusing on ventilation health advice, one for businesses and one for the public.
He said that good ventilation, such as opening doors and windows in an indoor space, could have the same impact as increasing third dose vaccinations, in terms of fighting COVID.
The Victorian government has also created guidelines to help improve ventilation in hospitality venues, function spaces, malls, foyers, boardrooms and a number of other workspaces.
These can be found at coronavirus DOT vic DOT gov DOT au FORWARD SLASH ventilation.
Health Message
All Australians over the age of 30 are now eligible for a fourth dose of a COVID vaccine.
People over the age of 16 who are severely immunocompromised, disabled or at risk of severe
COVID symptoms are also eligible for this fourth shot.
To receive it, there must have been at least three months elapsed since having the previous booster, or third dose.
In Victoria the fourth dose is available from most GPs and pharmacies.
To book, use the online booking system or call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.
(Compiled by NEMBC Multilingual News, Victoria)
The Indian Sun acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
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