Third dose is our 'best defence' against new variant

WITH the emergence of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, South Gippsland Hospital has commenced a campaign to encourage people to get their third (booster) vaccination dose as soon as they are eligible.

The hospital started administering the third dose of the vaccine to their workforce in early December, and whilst the hospital is not a public vaccination clinic, it believes it’s important to echo industry leaders’ messages about the best way to keep us as safe during more uncertain times.

South Gippsland Hospital CEO Paul Greenhalgh is keen to support the latest vaccination drive.

“We have redirected some of our staff to assist with the Bass Coast Health led vaccination clinic, as vaccination remains our best defence against this variant of concern,” he said.

Everyone is strongly urged to receive their third (booster) dose, when eligible.

Before Christmas, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) said the course of the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly changed in recent weeks.

Case numbers of COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant are rapidly increasing and this variant now dominates in some regions of Australia, it said.

Preliminary data from large superspreading events in New South Wales involving younger people suggested that two doses of vaccine did not provide any significant protection against COVID-19 infection due to the Omicron variant.

“So, keep an eye out for when you may be eligible over the next couple of months, and book in as soon as you can,” Paul said.

From January 4, Australians can receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot after four months from their second dose.

From January 31, it will be three months.

To book an appointment, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment or contact your local GP or pharmacy.