New SAHMRI analysis of SA COVID data released today shows people who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 face much higher risks, including eight times higher risk of hospitalisation and five times higher risk of death, compared to people with up-to-date vaccinations.

The analyses, conducted by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), is being released as additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines are recommended and available to South Australians from today.

SAHMRI analysed 70,450 COVID-19 cases recorded in South Australia between 1 August 2022 and 31 October 2022, and took into account other risk factors, including age. The key findings of the report show:

• Vaccination lowers the chance of hospitalisation and the probability of death, with each dose lowering the chance of each outcome further;
• South Australians with no vaccination were about eight times more likely to be hospitalised and about five times more likely to die than those with three or four doses; and,
• Those with one or two doses of vaccine were about three times more likely to be hospitalised and about two times more likely to die than those with three or four doses;
• Older age was confirmed an independent risk factor for death and hospitalisation from COVID-19.

From today, an additional vaccine dose will be available to anyone aged 18 years and over who has not had COVID-19 or a booster dose in the past six months.

The bivalent vaccine which includes protection against the original COVID-19 strain along with the Omicron variant is preferred for everyone who has already received a primary vaccine course. It is particularly recommended for those aged 65 and over, and people with medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs.

Quotes

Attributable to Chris Picton

This research from SAHMRI is based on South Australia’s real-world data and shows just how important vaccination is in protecting against serious illness.

I encourage everyone to check the date of their last vaccine or COVID-19 infection, and make sure you’re up to date with vaccinations so you can have the best possible protection from the virus.

We know that the virus is here to stay and being up to date with vaccinations help to protect from the severe impacts of COVID.

Fifth doses are available from hundreds of GPs and pharmacies across South Australia with booking available online.

Attributable to Professor Nicola Spurrier

The new SAHMRI analyses, of over 70,000 South Australian COVID-19 cases reported during the BA.5 wave in August to October last year, clearly show the importance and effectiveness of vaccination against the virus, particularly for older people and those with health conditions.

For many of us, it has been over 6 months since our last vaccine dose or infection with COVID-19 and our immunity could do with a boost. We are expecting further waves of COVID-19 this year and winter will also be a time of greater risk. So get ahead and get protected.

With the additional doses of vaccine now available, please consider your vaccination status and, book in to receive a dose at your GP or pharmacist.