Covid-19 infection rates have soared by more than 30 percent in the past two weeks as the new highly transmissible strain NB.1.8.1 surges across Queensland, accounting for almost half of all infections.
Almost two thousand people reported testing positive, and more than 320 people have been hospitalised for COVID in the past fortnight, two thirds of whom are aged over 65.
Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater, has rolled up his sleeve to get the new Covid booster, and is urging people over 18, to do the same.
"Now is the time to get your Covid booster, it's not too late, and it's safe to get it at the same time as you get your flu jab. And both are free and available from most GP's and pharmacies.
"Everyone should get a flu vaccine every year and most adults are eligible for a Covid vaccine yearly, and high-risk people may even be recommended to receive it every six months.
"Less than 250,000[i] Queenslanders have received their free Covid vaccine this year, and people need to take this new strain seriously because it is highly transmissible and it does pose a significant threat to high-risk patients," he said.
More than 17,612 [ii] Covid cases have been reported in Queensland since January, with around 3000 people hospitalised with the virus.
Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater, said the vaccination rate is at its lowest since vaccines were introduced in 2021.
"People have become complacent with Covid-19 vaccinations, but the new subvariant NB.1.8.1 is now responsible for almost half of all Covid cases and it's driving up hospitalisations globally and here in Australia and Queensland.
"More than 500 people have died from Covid so far this year, and we could see many more by the time winter is finished," he said.
The new subvariant NB 1.8.1 continues to be closely monitored by the World Health Organization which said current Covid vaccines are effective in preventing severe symptoms.
Flu cases are also on the rise in Queensland, with numbers more than 30 percent higher than this time last year, and almost 1500 cases diagnosed in the past week.
More than 22,000 cases have been reported this year, with around one in ten people requiring treatment in hospital.
"It's not too late to get your free flu vaccine, winter has just started and it's going to be a very long flu season, so the best way to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated."
Queensland health providers are also dealing with high cases RSV, with around 890 people diagnosed in the past week.
"RSV vaccinations are free for pregnant women, with immunity then passed onto babies up until they are six months old," said Professor Griffin.
[i] COVID-19 vaccination - vaccination data - 09 May 2025
[ii] Acute respiratory infection surveillance reporting | Queensland Health
Provisional Mortality Statistics, Jan - Feb 2025 | Australian Bureau of Statistics
