Fifth Covid-19 vaccine rollout begins as new SAHMRI data shows unvaccinated five times more likely to die

New data shows unvaccinated people are five times more likely to die from Covid-19, as the national rollout for a fifth vaccine dose begins.

Unvaccinated people are eight times more likely to be hospitalised and five times more likely to die than those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, new data has revealed.

A South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute analysis of 70,450 Covid cases recorded in SA between August and October last year also showed that people who had just one or two doses of the vaccine were three times more likely to be hospitalised than those who had three or four doses.

It also found age was an independent risk factor and that from the age of 60, increasing age increases the probability of hospitalisation or death.

Vaccination doses were found to lower the probability of each outcome.

The data comes as the national rollout of a fifth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine becomes available to anyone aged 18 years on Monday who has not had the virus or a booster in the past six months.

From Monday, anyone aged 18 and older is eligible for a fifth dose of the Covid vaccine. Photo by BAY ISMOYO / AFP

The fifth dose was previously only available to immunocompromised adults.

Chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said the new data “clearly shows the importance and effectiveness of vaccination against the virus”, particularly for the elderly and people with health conditions.

“For many of us, it has been over 6 months since our last vaccine dose or infection

with Covid-19 and our immunity could do with a boost,” she said.

“We are expecting further waves of Covid-19 this year and winter will also be a time of greater risk. So get ahead and get protected.”

The rollout comes as modelling showed the present Covid wave in SA is expected to peak in the middle of Mad March, as thousands flock to the Fringe, Festival and Womad events.

Health Minister Chris Picton encouraged all South Australians to check and ensure their vaccination status was up-to-date.

“We know that the virus is here to stay and being up to date with vaccinations help to protect from the severe impacts of Covid,” he said.

The latest vaccine includes protection against the original Covid-19 strain along with the Omicron variant and is particularly recommended for anyone aged 65 and over, as well as those with medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs.

He said the latest dose of the vaccine would be available from GPs and pharmacies across SA from Monday.