Covid’s fourth wave hits Far North as booster immunity begins to wane

Far North health services are seeing a rising number of hospitalisations with Covid-19 as booster immunity wanes. Read the latest advice from health professionals.

A rising number of Covid-19 patients are already presenting to Far North health professionals, amid warnings of waning immunity and the announcement of a fourth wave of the virus in the Sunshine State.

The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health service said it has seen an uptick in the number of Covid cases reported in the community.

Pharmacist at Mcleod St Medical, Carmen Christensen encouraged people to seek their boosters of the vaccines available as the virus continues to circulate through the community.

“As most people would have had their last booster around January this year we are starting to see that immunity is beginning to wane,” Ms Christensen said.

“Although we have had less cases over the last few months we are still getting requests for boosters from people seeking their third and fourth dose so that is positive.”

Carmen Christensen is the Pharmacist at Mcleod St Medical in Cairns

While some are getting their third or fourth dose of vaccine others are not.

According to recent Australian Government data, just 65.2 per cent of eligible Queenslanders have received their booster shot as of November 2, which is the lowest rate in Australia.

There are a number of patients in the Far North currently hospitalised with the virus, with the potential for more if people fail to take new strains of the virus seriously.

“We currently have six patients diagnosed with Covid-19 in Cairns Hospital, and one in Mareeba Hospital,” a CHHHS spokesperson said.

“Our early indications are that there has been an increase in reported Covid-19 cases in the local community, and we are continuing to monitor the situation.”

Visitors to health facilities are being urged to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of the more vulnerable members of the community.

“Patients, visitors and staff in CHHHS healthcare facilities are strongly encouraged to wear a mask and observe hand and cough hygiene,” the spokesperson said.

“Regardless, if you show ANY symptoms of being unwell, please do not come into our hospitals where you can potentially expose vulnerable patients.”

BRISBANE AUSTRALIA – NewsWire Photos NOVEMBER 10, 2022: Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk addresses the floor during question time at Queensland Parliament House. NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

The Queensland government’s new traffic light system has now seen a switch from green to amber which comes with recommendations to mask up.

In terms of measures that people can take to keep themselves healthy and virus free Ms Christensen advised people to continue with preventive measures.

“Continue to monitor for symptoms and wear a mask if you are in high density areas or medical settings,” she said.

It is now recommended that Queenslanders wear a mask in indoor settings, public transport, and in hospitals.

The declaration from the premier comes as a new strain of the disease, the XBB strain, originating in Singapore has begun spreading across Australia displaying greater resistance to vaccines and antibodies.

“The fourth wave that we have been expecting has arrived,” Ms Palaszczuk said, speaking in parliament on Thursday.

“No one should be alarmed. We have been living with this virus for a long time and Queenslanders know what to do,” she said.

“The chief health officer has advised that our Covid traffic light system should switch from green to amber.

“This applies especially to older members of the community and those at risk.

“As always, stay home if you are sick and get a rat test.”

Originally published as Covid’s fourth wave hits Far North as booster immunity begins to wane