CHA MEMBERS LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO URGE PUBLIC TO GET BOOSTER SHOTS

Catholic not-for-profit hospitals have stepped up their push to encourage all Australians to get their third vaccine shot with a campaign that poses the question: Do I Really Need a COVID Booster?

The campaign, launched this week in conjunction with CHA members St Vincent’s Health Australia, St John of God Health Care, Mercy Health, and Calvary, follows the reported slow uptake of booster shots, and news that some states are considering mandating boosters for healthcare workers and others in high-risk settings.

For example, in NSW fewer than 44 per cent of the eligible population aged over 16 has received a third vaccination.

Professor Erwin Loh, Chief Medical Officer, St Vincent’s Health Australia, is the face of the campaign.

“As a doctor, I’m not just taking care of patients, I’m taking care of those in my community,” Professor Loh says.

“Getting a booster will help reduce the spread of COVID in our community. Boosters will protect our loved ones from serious illness and keep people out of hospital.

“If it’s been three months since your second dose of a COVID vaccine we are urging you to strengthen your protection.”

The campaign follows similar efforts by CHA that have successfully argued on behalf of COVID vaccination and booster shots, with CHA most recently calling on the Federal Government to immediately change Australia’s official definition of “fully vaccinated” to reflect the latest advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, which includes three shots for eligible Australians.

CHA Manager of Health Policy Alex Lynch said that with the surge in infections, hospitalisations and deaths caused by Omicron, a booster shot is more important than ever.

“We now know that receiving just two doses of COVID-19 vaccinations does not offer sufficient protection against Omicron” Mr Lynch says.

“A truly fully vaccinated community, with three doses for all who are eligible, will help alleviate pressure on our hospitals and the community at large, and keep us all safe.”

You can view the campaign here.