As the festive season gets underway, health authorities in Australia and New Zealand are issuing a strong reminder for people to ensure their Covid-19 booster vaccinations are current. While the threat of catching the Omicron variant during Christmas and New Year celebrations may be lower than in previous years, experts emphasise that booster jabs remain a critical defence.
Protection Wanes Over Time
Public health professors Michael Baker from the University of Otago and Nikki Turner from the University of Auckland have highlighted that immunity against Covid-19 naturally decreases over time. This is particularly concerning for individuals at higher risk of severe illness. 'Even with activity at its lowest point in years, Omicron has not disappeared,' the professors wrote in a piece for The Conversation. 'Small waves still appear and clinicians continue to see serious infections.'
They specifically pointed out that older citizens, pregnant women, and those with significant underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems face a markedly higher risk of serious consequences from the virus.
Wastewater Data and Additional Threats
Supporting these concerns, recent hospitalisation data from New Zealand's Te Whatu Ora shows that traces of the Covid virus are still being detected at all monitored wastewater sites across the country. This indicates the virus is still circulating within communities.
Beyond Covid-19, the professors have also raised the alarm about a growing measles risk. Te Whatu Ora had recorded 18 known cases of measles as of November 9. Recent exposure events in Sydney and Brisbane have heightened concerns. Measles can be severe, especially for the unvaccinated, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems. Experts are encouraging people to check their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunisation status, which is free in both nations.
A Practical Step for a Safer Summer
The core advice remains clear: staying up to date with vaccination is vital. 'It may also provide some defence against long Covid, although that protection appears to depend on prior history of vaccination and infection,' the experts noted.
In both Australia and New Zealand, the Covid-19 vaccine is free for all eligible individuals. The current guidance states that anyone aged 30 or over can receive an additional booster dose once six months have passed since their last vaccine or confirmed infection. With influenza cases currently low, Covid-19 remains one of the more likely causes of respiratory illness.
Calling a pre-festive booster a 'wise idea' and a practical measure, the professors concluded that strengthening immunity now helps protect families and eases the burden on healthcare systems during one of the busiest periods of the year.
