Fear of COVID-19 seems to be abating amongst Australians, leading public health experts to warn against complacency.
One in every three Australians does not believe that COVID-safe measures—such as staying up to date with vaccinations, wearing masks, sanitising their hands or social distancing—are important to protect against the disease, a new survey has found.
The COVID Community Sentiment Index, a quantitative research survey regularly commissioned by Pfizer Australia, sought people’s views on COVID-19 in November 2023. As well as the 33 percent who do not think COVID-safe measures are effective, another 34 percent also do not believe that staying up to date with vaccinations is important.
Further, just under two-thirds of Australians (64 percent) do not think that new COVID-19 variants will have a significant impact on them a year from now. That includes more than half (57 percent) of older Australians, who are often at higher risk of severe disease.
Expert Warns Against Complacency
The results have concerned public health experts. Professor Robert Booy, infectious diseases specialist at the University of Sydney, is urging against complacency ahead of the holiday season.“As much as we would all like to forget about COVID-19, [it] is not done with us. Evidence shows that the disease continues to evolve and have significant impact in our communities, especially those at higher risk of severe illness. With COVID-19 part of our new reality, we need to continue to embed some habits and measures to protect ourselves and our communities,” Professor Booy said.
“Even though most healthy Australians are protected against severe COVID, there remain a few million vulnerable people who have not had an updated COVID-19 vaccination in the last six months. Taking precautions this Christmas is only sensible. COVID loves a crowd.”
Government health data shows that as of Dec. 1, an average of 165 people a day were admitted to hospital with COVID-19, and 57 people were in intensive care units (ICU) with complications related to the virus.
A recent report also found that 2.5 million people aged 65 years or older were not up to date with their six monthly vaccine dose, two million higher than in 2022.
Helpline Closed
The federal government recommends that all Australians aged five years and over be vaccinated against COVID-19.Meanwhile, the National Coronavirus Helpline was shut down on Dec. 4, as part of the end of funding for Healthdirect’s “Living with COVID” service. Callers to the helpline now hear a pre-recorded message, directing them to instead call Healthdirect’s general triage phone number.
Data published by the department last week showed more than 300,000 people received a booster shot in the month ending Dec. 6.
