Booster change welcome

Today’s decision to reduce the interval for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to three months is a sensible development as the Omicron peak approaches in Queensland.

“This is consistent with other states and we have the medical evidence to support this timeframe,” AMA Queensland President Professor Chris Perry said.

“These boosters should be prioritised for critical essential workers, including those in health care and vulnerable people such as aged care residents.

“We encourage everyone else who is now eligible for a booster shot to make an appointment and get protected.

“Queensland is very close to the 90 per cent double dosed figure, but with the international border opening tomorrow, it is inevitable that we will see more and more cases of COVID-19, particularly Omicron.

“The best way to save lives and prevent our fragile hospital system from becoming overwhelmed is for everyone to be vaccinated to the fullest extent.

“There is compelling evidence that a third dose provides the best protection against the Omicron variant, raising the vaccine’s efficacy to 86 per cent against symptomatic infection and 98 per cent against severe disease.

“But to deliver these boosters and deal with the current surge, we need better collaboration between the State and Federal Governments as well as a commitment to safety for our health care workers.

“Our GPs need consistent vaccine supply to deliver these boosters and access to PPE and fit-testing so they stay safe while they protect the community.

“Queensland Health must also step up to protect our health care workforce who are exhausted after two years of this pandemic.

“Our industrial partner, the Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation Queensland (ASMOFQ), was in the Commission this week advocating for more resources and support for our workforce, including the release of surge plans and workplace safety plans for health care workers at the frontline of treating COVID patients in hospitals and in the community.”