People in their 20s record most Covid infections, SA Health figures show
Parents have been implored to get their teenagers vaccinated as soon as possible – but that’s not the SA age group with the most infections, figures show.
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Tens of thousands of young South Australians have failed to get a Covid-19 jab despite being at greater risk of infection, prompting a fresh vaccination plea.
As a record 3246 cases were announced on Tuesday, official figures showed people aged in their 20s have recorded the most infections since the pandemic began, with 6319.
This was more than 2500 cases more than the next worst age group – patients in their 30s – and 3600-plus higher than for teenagers.
Latest SA Health data reveals almost 44,000 eligible people aged 12 to 29 have failed to receive at least one vaccine dose.
Figures show 13 per cent of people in their 20s are not inoculated at all. Almost a third of youngsters aged 12 to 15 are unprotected while nearly a fifth of those between 16 and 19 are unvaccinated.
Chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier said authorities were “particularly keen to see South Australians aged between 20 and 29 years old roll up for vaccination”.
She said anyone who is “yet to be vaccinated against Covid-19, or is eligible for their third dose, should book in now”.
“Younger people have greater numbers of interactions … because they are more likely employed in casual or part-time employment, such as in hospitality and retail roles,” Prof Spurrier warned.
“They (also) have higher levels of social and recreational activities compared to other groups. They are therefore at higher risk of catching and passing on Covid.”
National cabinet was last month briefed on concerns that people aged 18 to 35 are the biggest “superspreaders” as leaders consider making them a priority vaccine cohort.
Premier Steven Marshall urged young people to act and encouraged parents to “make it priority” to book an “all-important booster” with their child’s vaccine appointment.
“I particularly want to see more young (people), especially in the 12 to 17 age bracket, go out and roll up their sleeves today, tomorrow and over the coming weeks,” he said.
Mr Marshall said Tuesday’s case spike – 694 above the previous daily record – was linked to New Year’s Eve celebrations. Hospitalisations rose by eight to 102. Almost a third of cases in hospital were unvaccinated, compared to 12 per cent of the wider community. Twelve were in intensive care, up from nine. One was on a ventilator.
Numbers of prisoners with Covid rose from 90 to 128.
Two infectious support staff from the Adelaide International tennis were in a medi-hotel.
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