Experts Sound Alarm as COVID Vaccination Rates Plummet in Australia
New Variant Drives Case Surge While Booster Uptake Hits Record Low
Health experts are warning Australians not to become complacent as COVID-19 vaccination rates fall to their lowest levels since the rollout began five years ago—just as a new, highly contagious variant begins to take hold.
The Omicron subvariant NB.1.8.1, first detected on January 21, is now fueling a sharp rise in infections across China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. In Western Australia, it has become the dominant strain, contributing to a 24% jump in reported COVID cases.
“We’ve dropped the ball,” said Professor Paul Griffin, an infectious diseases specialist at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital. “Vaccination momentum has stalled, yet the virus is still circulating widely—and winter will only increase the risks.”
Griffin is urging vulnerable Australians to get their annual COVID booster, likening it to the seasonal flu shot. “Now is the ideal time to get vaccinated,” he said. “It’s safe to receive both the flu and COVID vaccines at the same appointment.”
Despite these warnings, uptake remains sluggish. In Queensland, fewer than 250,000 people have received their COVID booster this year—even though it’s available free of charge.
NB.1.8.1 is one of hundreds of Omicron subvariants and is causing rising hospital admissions, particularly in Asia and Western Australia. “The updated booster provides strong protection and helps reduce the severity of illness,” said Griffin.
Meanwhile, health systems are bracing for a challenging winter, with surging cases of flu, COVID, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Queensland alone has reported over 2,000 flu-related hospitalisations—30% more than this time last year. RSV has already sent more than 1,500 people to hospital, with infants under six months and adults over 65 especially at risk.
To help protect newborns, RSV vaccines are available for pregnant women, offering passive immunity to babies during their first six months of life.
Experts are also raising red flags about declining childhood vaccination rates. According to Professor Peter Beadon from the Grattan Institute, national immunisation coverage has steadily dropped since the pandemic began.
“Every vaccine on the National Immunisation Schedule saw lower coverage in 2024 compared to 2020,” Beadon said. “We’re seeing worrying gaps in protection, not just against COVID, but against long-controlled diseases like measles.”
In fact, measles cases rose by 20% globally last year.
“Australia was once a global leader in vaccination—nearly eradicating diseases like polio,” Beadon added. “But that legacy is now at risk if we don’t act.”
