Need to vax ‘now more than ever’

GET VAXXED, GET A BOOSTER SHOT: Health NZ says with hospitals expected to come under pressure in the coming months, it is vital people get vaccinated or receive their Covid-19 booster shot. Picture supplied

Covid-19 vaccination rates here are waning at the wrong time, Health NZ says.

A Health NZ Tairāwhiti spokeswoman said there were 80 cases of Covid-19 reported on Friday, 33 on Saturday and 54 cases yesterday.

Six people with Covid-19 were in hospital.

“We are starting to see vaccinations wane, which is not ideal given that we expect to see a gradual increase in transmission due to changes in people's behaviour — for example, older people having greater contact with people who have the virus as the border for Aotearoa opens up more, and an increase in social mixing.

“Now, more than ever, is the time to get vaccinated or a booster if you are eligible, to wear a mask when you are out and about, and stay home if you are unwell.

“Please don't spread Covid or all the other respiratory viruses currently prevalent in our community.

“It is anticipated that hospitals will be under pressure in the coming months as RSV and other respiratory illness return to pre-pandemic levels, and that is why the Takatū Hub has extended their service to cover flu and winter illnesses (see story above).”

To date, just 68 percent of eligible people here have had a booster (third) dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, while just 25 percent of children have have two doses of the vaccine.

Ninety percent of people here have been fully vaccinated with two doses.

From today, the access criteria for three antiviral treatments for Covid-19 will be widened to include a wider group of people at risk of severe illness from Covid-19 infection.

“This includes all people aged 75 years and over and those who have been admitted previously to an intensive care unit directly as a result of Covid-19,” a Health NZ statement said.

“Nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (branded as Paxlovid), molnupiravir (branded as Lagevrio) and remdesivir, an infusion treatment (branded as Veklury), are antivirals used in the community and hospitals to treat people with early Covid-19 at risk of severe illness.

“These antivirals reduce the risk of severe illness, which helps takes pressure off our health system.

“Among other things, this means GPs will be able to provide 'back pocket' prescriptions so that people at risk of acute respiratory illnesses can have their prescription ready should they test positive, and can then start taking the medicine promptly.”