Covid Booster Uptake Declines, Experts Warn of Risks Ahead

Fewer people in New Zealand are receiving Covid-19 booster vaccinations, raising concerns among health experts about the potential risks from future variants of the virus. As of now, New Zealand has administered nearly 14 million doses of the Covid vaccine. While more than 70 percent of individuals aged over 65 have received at least one booster dose, only about 20 percent of people under 50 are currently boosted.

According to Professor Nikki Turner, a medical adviser at the Immunisation Advisory Centre, the decline in booster uptake could have serious consequences. She noted that while many people may feel “over” Covid, the virus continues to pose a threat, particularly to older individuals and those with significant health conditions. “Older people and people with significant medical problems are still dying of Covid. And we shouldn’t forget that,” she stated.

The uptake of flu vaccinations has been noticeably higher this year compared to Covid boosters. Turner attributed this trend partly to the familiarity of the flu, which has been a seasonal concern for a long time. “With flu, it’s much easier to keep track: beginning of winter, flu’s coming, time to get your flu vaccine,” she explained. In contrast, Covid does not adhere to a predictable seasonal pattern, complicating public awareness and engagement.

Many people also express fatigue regarding Covid messaging, leading to confusion over booster eligibility and necessity. “I think many people are confused about who should be having a booster and why, and I don’t think the information is very clear for people,” Turner added. For those aged 30 and older, or individuals with underlying health issues, boosters remain available free of charge.

Despite the reduced risk Covid poses to younger, healthy individuals, Turner emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant. “Young children are more at risk of flu than Covid, but in the adult population, the same group of people have the same risk factor of severe Covid as of severe flu,” she noted. She also expressed hope for future developments in vaccination, suggesting a potential combination vaccine for both flu and Covid.

Understanding the Waning Immunity

The importance of booster vaccinations is underscored by research from Dr. Lisa Connor, a cellular immunologist at Victoria University. She explained that vaccines work by generating antibodies that bind to specific viruses, but these antibodies can diminish over time. “We do think some vaccines and some infections will induce shorter-lived antibodies, which means they will decrease in our bodies,” Dr. Connor stated.

Boosters play a crucial role in enhancing protection by increasing antibody levels and adapting to new variants. Kurt Krause, a biochemistry professor at Otago University, added that even though this winter has seen fewer hospitalizations due to respiratory illnesses compared to last year, maintaining booster uptake is essential. “You’re kind of keeping your immune system in training,” he explained.

Both Dr. Connor and Professor Krause highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the long-term effects of Covid. Boosters may not only help prevent infection but could also reduce the likelihood of developing long Covid. “There’s always the possibility that, like with flu, a novel mutation could emerge that is more virulent and more dangerous,” Krause warned.

Recent data indicates that in the week ending on October 1, 2023, there were 16 deaths attributed to Covid, bringing the total number of deaths since the pandemic began to 4776. The ongoing fluctuations in Covid cases and fatalities serve as a reminder of the virus’s persistent presence and the necessity for continued vigilance and vaccination efforts.