Charisa Bossinakis
Concerns have been raised about Australia's low take-up in the Covid-19 booster shot.
As of this week, only one third of eligible Australians have rolled up their sleeves for a third jab as it appears many Aussies have become complacent with the pandemic.
Commander Lieutenant-General John Frewen said that despite Australia being 95 percent vaccinated for two doses, the booster doses has fallen far behind.
“67 percent have had the third dose. And I think there's a whole range of reasons why I think people are not coming forward as quickly as they did for the first two doses,” he told Sunrise.
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“Some people have had Covid. Some people are just a bit over the whole Covid thing.
“What we know, from the medical advice, is the booster will reduce the severity of Covid if you get it and it will help avoid the effects of long Covid.
“So it's really important. It's never been easier to get the vaccines than now.”
With many still yet to receive their booster shot, some Australians will be eligible for a fourth vaccination dose from April 4.
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The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended another dose for vulnerable people and those aged 65 and over.
People in this category will be able to get this next Covid-19 booster shot four to six months after their third dose.
However, last month the federal government released data that revealed many people, across all age groups, have been eligible for their booster but have not received it yet.
Kirby Institute epidemiologist Greg Dore told ABC News he was shocked by these numbers as there was no sense of ‘urgency’ with the Omicron wave.
"The number one priority, absolutely, has to be to optimise the coverage among older and vulnerable populations, while also encouraging younger people to come forward," he said.
"We had this incredible urgency during the Delta wave, we just don’t seem to have that same sense of urgency now, despite there being more deaths than at the peak of the Delta wave."
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Health Minister Greg Hunt has urged Australians to ensure they have received all their vaccinations to make them eligible for a fourth dose ahead of flu season.
He said in a statement: "Australians are encouraged to make sure their COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date, ensuring they have received two primary doses, as well as a booster.
"Even if you have had COVID-19, it is important to maximise your protection from severe illness and have a booster."