REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM SA HEALTH

New data analysis, led by SAHMRI, shows unvaccinated people are eight times more likely to be hospitalised and five times more likely to die than those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The analysis was released earlier this week as additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines are recommended and available to South Australians.

Researchers 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;

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.

SA’s Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier, says the real-world data analysis highlights the importance of vaccine protection, particularly for older people and those with other health issues.

“For many of us, it has been over six months since our last vaccine dose or infection with COVID-19 and our immunity could do with a boost,” she said.

“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.”

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.

Director of SAHMRI's Healthy Policy Centre, Professor Caroline Miller discussed these findings in more detail with FiveAA Mornings. Listen here.