Qld’s Covid-smashed aged care centres revealed as major failure exposed

Queensland’s worst hit aged care centres have been revealed as a Covid tsunami smashes the state, with a major failure exposing only a tiny segment of the population is protected.

The majority of the most vulnerable Queenslanders living in aged care facilities are missing out on vital Covid-19 booster vaccinations.

And the low rates have shocked Chief Health Officer John Gerrard, who has confirmed that more than 70 per cent of the 300 Queenslanders currently in hospital with the virus are over 65.

New data from the Department of Health and Aged Care, which is responsible for aged care vaccinations, shows that on January 4, only 26.7 per cent of residents had a booster in the last six months.

The only state with worse aged care booster jab rates is Western Australia with 26.6 per cent.

“I am very concerned about the current Covid-19 booster vaccination rates among aged care residents. Older Queenslanders have an increased risk of severe illness and complications from Covid-19,” Dr Gerrard said.

Dr Gerrard this week revealed the current wave of Covid-19, which had lasted weeks longer than predicted, had landed 300 people in hospital and more than 18,000 have been diagnosed.

This wave has a double threat of two subvariants crossing paths — XBB.1.5 and the new more dominant strain JN.1.

The federal government works with aged care and primary care providers like GPs and pharmacists to get jabs in arms of the elderly.

Vaccinations are known to lessen the impacts of the virus on the elderly and help keep them out of hospital.

The Department of Health and Aged Care shows that as of January 4 there were 2583 active Covid-19 cases in 413 active outbreaks in residential aged care facilities across Australia. There have been 221 new outbreaks, 23 new resident deaths and 2413 combined new resident and staff cases reported since December 28.

Queensland Health Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard has urged the vulnerable to get a booster jab. Picture: John Gass

In Queensland there were 316 active outbreaks among residents and 167 among staff.

“I continue to strongly encourage all Queenslanders over 65 to get a Covid-19 booster at their earliest convenience, particularly if they haven’t had one in the past 12 months,” Dr Gerrard said.

“Vaccination offers added protection to help reduce the risk of severe illness or hospitalisation of aged care residents. I would also encourage family members and loved ones of aged care residents to actively advocate for their timely booster vaccination.”

Among those aged care homes in the state with the highest Covid-19 cases were Infinite Care Cleveland, North Rockhampton Nursing Centre, Ozcare Hervey Bay, Francis of Assisi Home, Estia Health Albany Creek and Ozcare Villa Vincent.