The Australian age group most at risk, still dying from Covid

Twenty-three Australians are dying every day from Covid-19 - but one age group continues to dominate the numbers. Find out who is most at risk.

More than 70 per cent of Covid deaths in Australia this year have been in elderly Australians over the age of 80 years.

Although on average 23 Australians are dying each day from the virus this year — new government data obtained by The Daily Telegraph has revealed that most of the deaths are in those aged over 80 prompting concerns for boosters in the age group. 

Out of the 4277 people who died between January and June this year — 1656 were in their 80s while a further 1338 were in their 90s.

People aged 70-79 were also at risk, with 843 deaths but the risk of dying from Covid dramatically fell for people younger than that.

For people in their 60s, the total deaths dropped to 297 and for those in their 50s, there were 94 fatalities.

People over the age of 80 are most at risk of dying from Covid.

Virologist Professor Tony Cunningham said research had shown that the risk of dying from Covid grew twenty-fold for people in their 80s, seven-fold for people aged 70 to 80 and six-fold for those aged 60-70.

”The focus has got to be those over the age of 60s and 70s and particularly those who are in aged care facilities. You’ll see a lot of older people still having masks on,” he said. 

“The risk of dying from influenza is also increased but it is not as marked.”

Epidemiologist Peter Collignon said the new data was similar to how influenza impacted deaths in 2017.

“(Over 80s) are much more likely to have other health issues. It’s like the straw on top of the camel’s back. Obviously people have chronic health issues but generally the last two years of your life you get other illnesses,” he said.

“There was always a much much higher risk if you’re older — not that you couldn’t come to grief if you’re younger (before vaccines).

“Everyone should be sensible like not to go to work if you’re sick but we have to focus on those most at risk and that’s people over the age of 80 and those younger with serious underlying heart disease.”

As of August 2, 64 per cent of eligible Australians have received a 2023 booster, with 97 per cent of residential aged care homes recording residents vaccinated with the 2023 booster.

Originally published as The Australian age group most at risk, still dying from Covid