‘Implications of rise of XBB.1.5 upon the timing and scale of a future wave remain uncertain’

Detections of the highly infectious Covid Kraken strain XBB.1.5 have risen sharply but the “timing and scale” of a future wave is unclear.

Victorian chief health officer Professor Brett Sutton says many people’s immunity has waned significantly. Picture: Ian Currie

Victoria’s Covid cases and hospitalisations have decreased again in the past week but mutant strains including Covid Kraken are on the rise.

The latest Department of Health figures come after chief health officer Brett Sutton released a video warning that “Covid is still with us”, and urged Victorians to get booster shots.

On Friday afternoon he warned the highly-transmissible and immunity-dodging XBB.1.5 strain - sweeping parts of America and nicknamed Covid Kraken - had shown rapid growth of 19 per cent in Victoria, in the past week.

Tthe XBF strain continued to make up the highest proportion of wastewater detections, at 30 per cent, he said.

“The Department of Health continues to monitor these trends and any newly emerging variants to determine the timing and severity of any future waves of transmission. The implications of the increasing prevalence of XBB.1.5 upon the timing and scale of a future wave remain uncertain,” Prof Sutton said.

Mutant Covid strains are on the rise in Victoria but reported cases are down. Picture: David Crosling

In a video posted on Thursday, Prof Sutton said with the colder weather coming soon, it was a good time for Victorians to recharge their immunity and also prepare for the flu season.

“Covid is still with us, and getting your booster remains the best way to boost your immunity to protect your loved ones against the virus and its variants,” he said.

“Getting your booster dose is like recharging your phone when the battery is low.”@VictorianCHO Professor Brett Sutton says now is a good time to recharge your immunity with the booster dose to prepare for winter. pic.twitter.com/OJSaP0x6JE

— Victorian Department of Health (@VicGovDH) March 2, 2023

With most Victorians having received their boosters more than six months ago, Prof Sutton said many members of the community have significantly waned in immunity.

“Getting your booster dose is like recharging your phone when the battery is low.

“There are new bivalent Covid vaccines available that can provide better protection against the evolving Omicron variants.”

The 2023 booster dose is accessible for all people over the age of 18, with those over 65 and those over 18 with a disability or complex medical condition particularly urged to get the jab.

Vaccinations can be booked in at GPs or local pharmacies and Prof Sutton said those who had their last dose or Covid infection over six months ago are urged to make a booking.