Covid Booster Uptake Declines, Raising Concerns Among Experts

Fewer New Zealanders are seeking Covid-19 booster vaccinations, prompting concerns from health experts about the potential risks posed by emerging variants of the virus. To date, the country has administered nearly 14 million doses of the vaccine. While more than 70 percent of individuals aged 65 and older have received at least one booster, only about 20 percent of those under 50 have chosen to do the same.

According to Professor Nikki Turner, a medical adviser at the Immunisation Advisory Centre, the declining interest in boosters may stem from a general fatigue surrounding Covid-19. “Many people are over it,” she stated, adding that Covid-19 remains a serious threat, particularly for older individuals and those with significant medical conditions. “We shouldn’t forget that older people are still dying of Covid.”

This year, there has been a noticeable increase in flu vaccine uptake compared to Covid boosters, which Turner attributes to the familiarity many have with influenza. “Flu has been with us for a long time, and people know the value of flu vaccination,” she explained. The timing of flu vaccinations is also more straightforward, typically aligning with the onset of winter. In contrast, Covid-19 has not yet established a consistent seasonal pattern, leading to peaks occurring nearly twice a year globally.

Turner emphasized that the drop in booster uptake is also linked to widespread confusion regarding who qualifies for a booster and the rationale behind it. “Information is not very clear for people,” she said. For individuals aged 30 and older, or those with underlying health issues that increase their risk of severe illness, boosters remain free of charge. Turner noted that for most vaccinated individuals who have been exposed to the virus, the risk of severe illness from Covid-19 is low.

In a broader context, Dr. Lisa Connor, a cellular immunologist at Victoria University, explained the mechanics of vaccines. Vaccines work by generating antibodies that bind to specific viruses or bacteria, preventing their spread. However, she pointed out that antibody levels can “wane” over time, necessitating booster doses to maintain adequate protection. “Having a booster means we increase the antibody levels,” she said, highlighting the importance of updating boosters to reflect emerging variants.

Meanwhile, Professor Kurt Krause from Otago University remarked that this winter has seen a lower peak in hospitalisations for respiratory illnesses compared to previous years. Despite this progress, he reiterated the necessity of boosters to enhance the body’s immune response. “You’re kind of keeping your immune system in training,” Krause noted.

Experts caution that it is premature to dismiss the importance of boosters, as the long-term effects of Covid-19 are still not fully understood. Boosters not only help prevent infection but may also reduce the likelihood of developing long Covid. Krause pointed out that new variants continue to emerge, and the risk associated with these mutations remains significant.

Recent statistics underscore the ongoing impact of Covid-19 in New Zealand. In the week leading up to March 24, 16 individuals died from the virus, either as the primary cause or as a contributing factor, bringing the total number of deaths since the pandemic began to 4,776.

As health authorities continue to navigate the complexities of vaccination and public health messaging, the call for increased booster uptake remains vital in safeguarding the population against future strains of the virus.