Elsie Lange and Millicent Spencer
Forty per cent of Hume residents are “more susceptible” to contracting coronavirus, with low vaccination rates sparking concern amongst medical experts.
Less than 60 per cent of Hume residents have had a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, making them the least vaccinated in the state.
Local doctor and DPV Health medical director Dr Farhan Ulhaq said there has been a general reluctance for much of the local community to come forward for their third and fourth doses.
“Although the community sentiment is that COVID maybe over and they no longer need to be vaccinated, I can assure you, COVID is still a real problem for our local community,” he said.
“Many people are still getting very sick and dying every day.”
There were 149 COVID-related deaths reported to the Victorian Department of Health to the week of January 27, with an average of 21 deaths each day.
Dr Ulhaq said across both the Hume and Whittlesea LGAs, the percentages of third doses and winter doses are lower than the states average, and “this is of great concern”.
“This is compounded by high percentage of non-English speaking communities not understanding the need to receive these vaccinations and putting themselves and their families at risk,” he said.
“As time goes by, people’s immunity to the first and second doses is diminishing and they are becoming more susceptible to contracting the virus and suffering from the effects.
“As people move about and don’t wear masks, the virus is continuing to spread rapidly….it is certainly not going away.”
Northern Health head of infections diseases Associate Professor Craig Aboltins said while the hospital has seen a reduction in the number of people needing to be admitted with COVID this may not last long as a predicted surge is on the way – meaning those in the area should get their boosters now.
“The predictions are for more surges in case numbers this year and many people, unfortunately, are likely to get COVID in the coming months,” he said.
“It’s important to remember that just because we have had COVID before, we can still get it again, and it can still be very severe the second or third time.
“These medicines are really effective at stopping the illness from becoming very severe.
“If you’re unsure, the first thing you should do is check if you are eligible for your COVID booster.”
According to the state government once you have received two vaccine doses (a primary course) you can get your third dose, called a ‘booster’. Everyone aged 16 years and older can have one booster. Everyone aged 30 years and older can have two boosters.
Boosters should be three months apart.
