COMMUNITY COVID-19 UPDATE JULY 2022
HOW IS OMICRON BA4/BA5 DIFFERENT?
The BA4/BA5 strains are quite new, so scientists are still learning about them. What we have seen so far is that:
- BA4/5 is MUCH easier to catch
- Even if you have had other forms of COVID-19, you can still get infected with BA4/5
- People most at risk of serious illness include people over 65, people who have other medical conditions and adults aged 50+ who are not fully vaccinated or who had their last dose more than 4 months ago.
DOES VACCINATION WORK AGAINST BA4/BA5?
Yes, especially if you are fully vaccinated. Most people who are in hospital have not had all their doses of COVID- 19 vaccine. While the vaccination may not stop you from getting COVID-19, it does protect you from getting very sick.
HOW MANY DOSES DO I NEED?
The vaccine protection against COVID gets less over time. A booster dose helps increase your protection again. Full vaccination now means:
- a third dose for people aged 16 – 49 who have only had two doses
- a fourth (winter) dose for people aged 50+ who had their third dose, or who had COVID-19, more than three months ago.
- a fourth (winter) dose for people aged 16+ with disability, significant or complex health needs.
People aged 30+ can also get a fourth (winter) dose for extra protection.
WHERE CAN I GET VACCINATED?
The NEPHU Facebook page (@NEPHUMelbourne) lists all vaccination sites in our area. You can also call 1800 675 398 to find a clinic near you and make an appointment.
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY?
There are three things you can do to protect against infection and serious illness:
- Get a third dose of vaccine if you haven’t had it yet
- Get a fourth (Winter) dose if you are over 30 years old
- Wear a mask when you are outside your
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR GETTING COVID-19?
Because it is so easy to catch, everyone should prepare for infection. Treatment (such as tablets) is also available to many people, so there are three ways you can prepare:
- Understand your You are most at risk of serious illness if you:
- are 65 or older
- have lung problems (including asthma), heart disease or other health problems
- have diabetes or are very overweight
- have a weak immune system
- If you are at high risk, develop a COVID treatment plan with your doctor
- Get tested early so you can get treatment
HOW DO I CONNECT TO CARE IF I GET COVID-19?
Three ways to connect to care if you get COVID-19:
- Register a positive RAT result – this helps you get the information, care and support you need.
- If you are sick, contact your doctor, Nurse-on -call (1300 606 024) or a GP Respiratory Clinic (find a clinic near you at health.gov.au/initiatives-and- programs/coronavirus-covid-19-gp-respiratory- clinics)
- Go to hospital if you have severe symptoms or they get worse very quickly. Severe symptoms include finding it hard to breathe, chest pain, dizziness or fainting, or coughing up blood.