Aged care
January aged care deaths from COVID-19 surge 400% as vaccination rates languish

There were 108 deaths in residential aged care from COVID-19 in the four weeks to 1 February 2024, compared with 27 deaths in the four weeks to 31 August 2023, showing the devastating impact the virus is still wreaking on aged care residents and providers.

Only 30.4% of residents have received a COVID booster shot in the last six months with it considered a "priority" by the Department of Health and Aged Care.

Infectious diseases expert Professor Robert Booy (pictured) told The SOURCE it's "very disappointing and really unacceptable to have such a low uptake" of the vaccine.

"This is a failure to vaccinate, not a failure of vaccination," he said.

Professor Booy says vaccination systems need to be improved to make it easier for residents to receive their shots.

"I think we need to set up systems across the country that can allow timely delivery of booster vaccinations against COVID, especially, but also on an annual basis against influenza for our cherished older Australians who reside in aged care.

As of 1 February, there were 2,014 active COVID-19 cases from outbreaks at 287 residential aged care homes, with 114 new outbreaks, 15 new resident deaths and 1,543 new cases of COVID in residents and staff. 

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