Now is not the time for Covid complacency

Bass Coast Health is urging people not to become complacent about Covid.

Covid cases are rising in the community as the more contagious BA.2 subvariant spreads quickly throughout Victoria and according to Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child, it’s never been more important to be vaccinated.

“Bass Coast residents are at significant risk of contracting the new contagious subvariant of Covid, with up-to-date vaccination rates much less than when two doses were mandatory,” she said.

“Three doses of a Covid vaccine is now considered to give the best protection against the virus, and a fourth dose is now highly recommended for aged care residents, people living in disability accommodation, and other vulnerable groups also considered to be most at risk of serious illness.”

People recommended to receive the fourth dose include:

• adults aged 65 years and older

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50, and

• people aged 16 years and older who are severely immunocompromised.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends anyone in the vulnerable groups receive their COVID-19 Winter dose four months after their initial booster dose.

Rates lagging

Third dose numbers across the shire are lagging well behind the 95+ per cent of the second dose.

Rhyll currently has the highest uptake, with 85 – 90 per cent of residents having already received their third dose.

The remaining areas of Phillip Island are sitting between 65 and 80 per cent third dose rate, with the 3922 postcode (Cowes and surrounds, including Ventnor, Summerlands, Smiths Beach and Silverleaves) on 65 – 70 per cent and 3925 (San Remo, Newhaven, Cape Woolamai, Surf Beach) on 75 – 80 per cent.

The lowest uptake in Bass Coast is in the 3991 postcode, which includes Bass and Coronet Bay, currently sitting around 50 per cent.

“We know there are still too many people in the Bass Coast Shire who are yet to receive a third dose or booster,” said Ms Child.

“There is also low uptake of a vaccination among 5-11-year-olds in the Bass Coast Shire.

“According to the Department of Health, up to 45 per cent of Wonthaggi children aged 5-11 had received a first dose and up to 15 per cent a second dose. In Inverloch, up to 60 per cent had had a first dose and up to 20 per cent a second.

“In the San Remo postcode, up to 70 per cent had received a first dose and up to 25 per cent a second. In Cowes, up to 55 per cent had got their first dose and up to 25 per cent a second.

“In Bass and Coronet Bay, up to 60 per cent had received a first dose and up to 15 per cent a second.”

Ms Child said these rates are too low, and the complacency is worrying.

“Our community held off Covid spread pretty well in the past few waves because we had high vaccination rates.

“With low booster rates we are once again very vulnerable and we are seeing this in the increase in the number of cases locally.

“Vaccination is the best protection we can give ourselves against COVID-19. We are already starting to see the rising numbers of the Omicron subvariant BA.2 in our Emergency Department and in our inpatient beds, and we have many more people isolating at home with Covid who need support.”

Ms Child said in addition to reducing transmission, COVID-19 vaccines are also highly effective at preventing severe disease and death.

According to the Victorian Department of Health, a COVID-19 case is far more likely to be admitted to hospital or ICU if they are unvaccinated, and far less likely to be admitted if they have received three doses.

According to state figures, the majority of people who have died with COVID-19 have been partially or unvaccinated, with 53 per cent of deaths occurring in unvaccinated people compared to 1.7 per cent who had received three doses of vaccine. 

“Our vaccination rates in our community are not as good as they should be and many people are coming to the six month point when their vaccine efficacy will wane,” Ms Child said.

“This will mean they are not protected. It’s more important than ever for everyone to get their third dose and for vulnerable people, to get their fourth—to protect themselves, their community, and their loved ones.

“Unfortunately, we know there are still some people who have chosen to have no vaccination.  These people are taking a very high risk. 

“It is not too late for unvaccinated to get their first and second dose—in fact, it may actually save their life!”

Bass Coast Health is holding additional outreach clinics to make it easier for people to get a Covid vaccination.

“We recently held outreach vaccination clinics at Cowes, Newhaven College and San Remo, in addition to our regular clinic at the Wonthaggi Town Hall,” Ms Child said.

“These clinics were successful, with a total of more than 100 people vaccinated at two clinics at Cowes, 12 at Dalyston, 31 at Newhaven College and 48 at San Remo.”

To make an appointment at the Community Vaccination Clinic at the Wonthaggi Town Hall, call the COVID-19 Hot line on 1800 675 398 or book online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au.

Vaccinations can also be booked through your local GP or pharmacy via covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/.