‘It’s too late’: Fears for Queensland’s vaccine slowdown

Infectious disease experts fear Queensland’s vaccine rate is rising too slowly and may never reach the crucial 90 per cent, as the state’s infection rate soars and new mask mandates are hurried through. See what restrictions are under threat if the target isn’t reached.

James Hall

@James_P_Hall

3 min read

January 2, 2022 - 12:00AM

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Queensland’s top doctor insists the state is just weeks away from reaching 90 per cent vaccine coverage despite epidemiologists fearing the prized milestone may never be eclipsed.

The state’s first dose figure reveals a slowdown in the number of Queenslanders turning up to get jabbed as cases soar by multiple thousands each day.

As health authorities desperately attempt to manage a soaring Covid-19 caseload, Queenslanders have now been ordered to wear masks in all indoor venues.

Chief health officer John Gerrard ramped up the mandate from New Year’s Day after the state reported 2266 new infections on Saturday, with masks now required in all settings except the family home and workplaces where it is unsafe to do so.

The top doctor again encouraged Queenslanders to work from home where possible to limit spread in the community as patrons in pubs, clubs and cafes were told to wear masks except when seated.

Staff and students at schools along with childcare and other education facilities will also be required to wear a mask, while office workers can take their masks off at their desks or in meetings if they can safely practice social distancing.

Queensland is tantalisingly close to the all-important 90 per cent fully vaccinated rate. Picture: Richard Walker

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk celebrated Queensland passing the 90 per cent first dose figure on December 22 but, as of Thursday, that percentage had only eked to 90.67 for those aged 16 or higher.

The double dose figure is 86.60 per cent, leaving the margin between the two delicately poised and reliant on nearly all recipients showing up for their second jab.

Leading epidemiologist Professor Mary-Louise McLaws said this coverage left Queensland ill-equipped to handle the continued surge in community transmission, declaring “it’s too late” to worry about reaching 90 per cent.

“Queensland will not have that vaccination coverage that is needed,” the University of NSW expert, who has also advised the World Health Organisation throughout the pandemic, said.

Dr John Gerrard is bullish the 90 per cent rate will be reached soon. Picture: Richard Walker

“The coverage that is really important to protect the elderly is protecting everyone under 40 — they’re the ones that acquire infection at a greater rate than anybody because they’ve got a high social network.

“And with that high social network, it then eventually makes its way to the middle age and the elderly and that’s when you start to see hospitalisations and deaths.”

The vaccination rate remains a particular concern in the state’s vulnerable Indigenous communities.

WHAT CHANGES WITH QUEENSLAND'S NEW MASK MANDATE

Where masks were already required under previous mandate:
Supermarkets and shops
Public transport
Airports and on planes
Cinemas and theatres
Where you will need to wear a mask from today:
In workplaces (unless it is unsafe to do so)
Pubs, clubs and cafes (except when seated)
Indoor stadiums and sports arena (except when seated)
Libraries
Hairdressers and nail salons
Waiting rooms at medical centres

An outbreak in the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire climbed to 35 cases, as of Friday night, where only 57 per cent of the community were fully vaccinated.

Nearly all state-run vaccination facilities closed over the Christmas-New Year period with only the Moranbah Clinic in Central Queensland operating on Saturday.

The winding down has meant pharmacies have become the primary distributors of dosages, with Deputy Premier Steven Miles receiving his booster shot on New Year’s Day at one of the hundreds of community chemists.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles was issued his booster shot on Saturday. Picture: Richard Walker

Infectious disease expert Paul Griffin said this reduced access to the vaccine could explain the slowdown as he warned “there definitely is” a risk Queensland may never reach 90 per cent coverage.

“That last 10 per cent becomes increasingly challenging to change their mind because, obviously, they’ve resisted for this long for whatever reason,” the University of Queensland Associate Professor said.

“It comes down to making sure we continue to propagate the right messages about the benefits of the vaccine.”

Reaching 90 per cent is the final phase of the state government’s vaccine plan, which will further trigger increased freedom of travel — essentially allowing unrestricted interstate and international travel for those who are vaccinated.

But Dr Griffin suggested the Palaszczuk government may be forced to ease travel restrictions if the vaccine milestone is never reached, insisting “our policies and all our recommendations have to be able to adapt to the situation”.

Chief health officer John Gerrard was unfazed by the slow down, however, again declaring the state will reach the desired coverage in mid-January.

“We will reach 90 per cent because almost everybody who receives a first dose will get their second dose,” he said. “It’s going to happen, I’m quite confident of that.”