Barwon Health is concerned at a big spike in hospitalisations in Geelong from people getting COVID-19, with fears many people’s immunity has waned over the last few months.
The local health organisation is reporting a 33 per cent spike in hospital admissions due to difficulties with COVID, with the latest figures showing 252 people across Victoria in hospital with the virus.
Barwon Health’s Professor Eugene Athan said making sure you’re up to date with your vaccinations can help prevent you from needing hospital treatment.
“There is transmission going on again in the community, but in particular because peoples immunity does wane over time,” Professor Athan said.
“It’s an opportunity for people to be aware of it and test if they get symptoms and most importantly to go and get vaccinated,” he said.
Professor Athan said the immunity after getting the vaccine will last about nine months, so it’s important to consider getting a booster dose.
“Those who are keen to get their booster dose, any pharmacy, any GP and certainly the Barwon Health immunisation centre and Belmont will take people for bookings at any time.
“The key message is for people over (65-years-old) to think about organising their booster, it’s really important.”
Oral antiviral medications are also now available for people at risk of severe disease.
