Why fifth Covid jab may be recommended for all Australians

A fifth Covid jab is “almost certain” to be recommended by the nation’s vaccine advisory board as fears grow over the rise of new subvariants.

The nation’s vaccine advisory body “will almost certainty” recommend a fifth dose of coronavirus vaccine by early next year amid rising case numbers across the country.

The Australian Technical Advisory group is closely watching Covid-19 infection numbers as concerns mount over the rise of the new CBB and BQ. 1 Omicron sub-variants.  

The strains are predicted to overtake the BA. 5 as the dominant strain around Australia in the coming weeks.

A fresh coronavirus wave is spreading across Europe and Singapore, with colder temperatures leading to an uptick in new infections.

Vaccination experts say ATAGI is keeping a close tab on what is happening abroad, and a surge in case numbers closer to home will force the advisory body to move quickly.

One medical source, who works closely with the vaccine advisory body, told the Herald Sun that ATAGI will “almost certainly” recommend a fifth dose in January next year.

“There is going to be a lot of pressure for them to do it,” the source said.

On Monday, the nation’s top doctor said Australians shouldn’t be worried about the emergence of the new Covid-19 sub-variants abroad.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly. Picture: Gary Ramage

“We’ve seen these same variants go to other countries, most recently Singapore,” Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly said.

“They had a quick, sharp wave of cases — but not a lot else and then they’ve moved on.”

But some experts say ATAGI should recommend a fifth dose ahead of an expected surge in coronavirus infections over the next few months.

“By and large I would welcome a fifth dose, we are at the beginning of a new wave,” said University of South Australia epidemiologist Professor Adrian Esterman.

“More importantly we have waning immunity, most people had their last dose several months ago.”

Deakin University epidemiologist Catherine Bennett said not enough Australians have had four doses of the vaccine.

“Half the people who are eligible for the fourth dose still haven’t had it, I think that is actually more urgent,” she argued.

Victoria recorded 24 Covid-19 deaths last week and 10,226 new cases, up from 8537 the previous week.

There are 231 patients in hospital, while seven people are in intensive care.