Waning Enthusiasm for COVID-19 Boosters Threatens Aged Care Residents
A concerning decline in COVID-19 booster vaccination rates among aged care residents in New South Wales has raised alarms among health experts, who attribute the trend to “vaccine fatigue” and a diminished perception of the virus as a pressing threat.
As of Friday, only 44 percent of aged care residents in NSW had received a COVID-19 booster within the last six months, a significant drop from 73.5 percent at the same time last year. This decline mirrors a broader decrease in booster uptake across the state, with 9,700 jabs administered in the past week compared to 14,727 during the same period last year.
Professor Raina MacIntyre, a biosecurity expert at the Kirby Institute, believes the waning interest in boosters stems from a combination of factors, including a perception that COVID-19 is no longer a major concern and difficulties obtaining consent for residents from their next of kin.
“It’s understandable that people want to get back to normal life,” she acknowledged. “However, COVID-19 remains a serious threat, especially for older adults. It’s the third leading cause of death in Australia, surpassing even the road toll.”
MacIntyre emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance, particularly in aged care settings where residents are more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19.
“We need to do more to prevent preventable deaths,” she asserted. “We advocate for seatbelt use, yet we could be doing much more to address vaccine hesitancy and protect our elderly population.”
The rise in aged care outbreaks coincides with an increase in community transmission. As of Friday, 72 aged care homes in NSW were experiencing active outbreaks, with 387 active cases among residents.
“Outbreaks in aged care facilities are linked to rising cases in the broader community,” explained MacIntyre. “The virus is introduced into facilities by staff or visitors.”
With non-stop outbreaks since 2020, MacIntyre warned that the frequency is likely to continue.
“Aged care residents remain at higher risk, and we can expect more frequent outbreaks,” she cautioned.
The Federal Department of Health continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters to all aged care residents who have not received them or have not had a booster within the last six months.
“We are actively engaging with both the aged care and primary care sectors to reinforce the importance of vaccine uptake and promote the 2023 booster dose,” the department stated.
Craig Gear, CEO of the Older Persons Advocacy Network, attributed the declining vaccination rates to the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in aged care settings, such as mask mandates and visitor testing requirements.
“Some facilities are suggesting it’s time to return to normal parameters,” he observed. “However, infection control measures remain crucial because COVID-19 disproportionately impacts older adults.”
NSW opposition health spokeswoman Bronnie Taylor criticized the federal government’s inaction in addressing the issue.
“The federal government promised to fix aged care, but this is another example of their failure to deliver,” she asserted.
As COVID-19 continues to circulate, the dwindling vaccine rates among aged care residents pose a significant risk to their health and well-being. Renewed efforts to address vaccine hesitancy and promote booster uptake are essential to safeguard this vulnerable population.