The latest Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccines are now available at pharmacies across the Fleurieu and on Kangaroo Island.

New analysis of SA COVID data shows people who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 face much higher risks of hospitalisation and death, compared to people with up-to-date vaccinations.

The analyses, conducted by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), has been released as additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines are recommended and available to South Australians from this week.

SAHMRI 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.

From this week, an additional vaccine dose is 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.

Health Minister Chris Picton says the SAHMRI research is based on South Australia’s real-world data and shows just how important vaccination is in protecting against serious illness. 

“I encourage everyone to check the date of their last vaccine or COVID-19 infection, and make sure you’re up to date with vaccinations so you can have the best possible protection from the virus. 

“We know that the virus is here to stay and being up to date with vaccinations help to protect from the severe impacts of COVID.”

Professor Nicola Spurrier says the SAHMRI analyses clearly shows the importance and effectiveness of vaccination against the virus, particularly for older people and those with health conditions.

“For many of us, it has been over 6 months since our last vaccine dose or infection with COVID-19 and our immunity could do with a boost. 

“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.” 

Go to the SA Health website to find the closest booster provider and book an appointment.