Australian health experts are raising serious concerns as Covid-19 booster uptake hits record lows—just as a new, highly infectious strain of the virus spreads across the country.
The latest Covid subvariant, NB.1.8.1, is now the dominant strain in Western Australia. First detected on January 21, it has caused a 24% surge in cases in the region and is also driving up infections in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Professor Paul Griffin, infectious diseases expert at Mater Hospital in Brisbane, says Australia has let its guard down when it comes to Covid-19 vaccinations.
“We have dropped the ball with Covid-19 vaccinations,” Prof. Griffin said. “This disease is still active in the community and continues to pose a serious risk, especially to vulnerable groups.”
He stressed that the Covid booster should now be seen as a yearly vaccine, much like the flu shot. With winter approaching, he urges Australians to get both vaccines at the same time — which is safe and free of charge.
Prof. Griffin explained that Omicron has produced hundreds of subvariants. The current strain, NB.1.8.1, is causing a rise in both infections and hospitalisations, especially in Asia and parts of Australia.
“The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is with the latest booster,” he said. “It offers strong protection, is safe, and will help reduce severe symptoms.”
In Queensland, fewer than 250,000 people have received their annual booster, despite it being freely available.
Prof. Griffin also warned of a “triple threat” this winter. Queensland is already seeing a spike in flu cases, with over 2,000 hospitalisations this year — a 30% increase compared to the same time last year.
In addition, cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are also high, with 1,500 people hospitalised.
“More than half of these hospitalisations are among the most vulnerable—babies under six months and adults over 65,” Prof. Griffin said.
RSV vaccines are free for pregnant women, helping pass immunity to their babies until six months of age.
Experts are also seeing a broader decline in vaccination rates—not just for Covid. Childhood immunisation has been steadily dropping since the start of the pandemic.
“Since 2020, the number of fully vaccinated children has gone down every year,” said Professor Peter Beadon of the Grattan Institute. “In 2024, protection levels for every child vaccine in the national schedule are lower than they were in 2020.”
Global data shows a 20% rise in measles cases in 2023.
Prof. Beadon emphasized that Australia has long been considered a vaccination success story. Thanks to strong programs, diseases like polio were nearly eliminated, and childhood health significantly improved.
“But that success is now at risk,” he warned.
