As a new COVID-19 wave seems likely to persist during the holiday season, health authorities are concerned that the most vulnerable to the disease are the least likely to be fully vaccinated.

That includes aged care home residents.

Vaccination rates for this group have never been above two-thirds and that rate has collapsed since September. It has now dropped below 40%.

Since the disease emerged, there have been concerns it has the potential to be linked to long-term health problems, and that repeated infections are likely to increase the risk.

According to media reports, a growing body of scientific research is cautiously linking the inflammation caused by a COVID infection to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s as well as autoimmune conditions ranging from bowel disease to rheumatoid arthritis.

The Australian Government says it’s helping residential aged care homes to arrange COVID-19 vaccinations with local primary health care providers such as GPs and community pharmacists.

It’s not just aged care residents who are being urged to get fully vaccinated. It’s everyone over 75, and everyone over 65 with compromised health conditions.

The health authorities’ simple message is that COVID-19 vaccines save lives.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has updated advice for the vaccine.

If it has been six months since receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or a confirmed COVID-19 infection, an additional dose is recommended for people aged 75 or older.

An additional dose should be considered for people aged 65-74 and people aged 18-64 years with severe immunocompromise, following discussion with their health care provider.

People aged 65 years and older who have not had a COVID-19 booster this year are recommended to get a dose.

Older people, particularly those aged 75 years and older, are more likely to get seriously ill or die from COVID-19.

The Australian Department of Health says all COVID-19 vaccines have shown to provide benefits to eligible people by reducing the severity of illness. However, the Monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines are preferred over other vaccines for eligible people.

For more information, see the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic on the health Service Finder at healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services. 

You can also call 1800 022 222 if you need COVID-19 advice.

Oral antiviral treatments are available to people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including people 70 years and older.

Medical experts say they are safe and effective in reducing the disease’s severity. Older people are encouraged to have an early discussion with their GP or nurse practitioner about:

• Whether an oral antiviral suits your health needs.

• Developing a COVID-19 plan if you test positive, including how to access antivirals quickly if you need them.

Treatment must be started as soon as COVID-19 symptoms begin. Antiviral treatments may help stop COVID-19 infection from becoming severe.

Related reading: Vaccinations drop, Long-term COVID