Covid-19: Toowoomba lags behind nation on third doses, uptick in hospital admissions as Qld braces for new wave of infections

Toowoomba’s current vaccination rate for third doses has been revealed ahead of an imminent fourth Omicron wave across the state, with hospitalisations for Covid already increasing on the Darling Downs.

One in three Toowoomba residents aged 16 and over have not had a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine as the region’s health services prepare for a new wave of infections and hospitalisations.

Just 67.3 per cent of eligible people in the Toowoomba region have had three shots as of November 9, slightly ahead of the state (65 per cent) but behind the nation (72 per cent).

52 per cent of eligible Toowoomba children aged five to 15 have had at least one shot, while only 43 per cent have had two.

It comes as the Queensland government warned a fourth Omicron wave looks set to hit the state, as cases rose significantly on Friday from the week before.

Darling Downs Health revealed the Toowoomba Hospital, which is already dealing with capacity issues, currently has eight Covid patients in its care including one in intensive care.

This is up from six patients last week.

The Australian Medical Association has raised questions about the eastern states’ capacity to handle another Omicron wave.

Queenslands chief health officer Dr John Gerrard, who was in Toowoomba last week, has urged people to get their third and fourth doses. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Queensland’s chief health officer Dr John Gerrard said since the state was unlikely to reintroduce mandates or border closures, residents have been urged to get a third (if 16 or over) or fourth (if 30 or over) dose of the vaccine.

But the Sunshine State has been sluggish in this area, currently last in the nation for third doses.

The state government does not list this statistic on its website either, instead continuing to highlight the second dose figure of 91 per cent.

Toowoomba no longer has a state-run Covid-19 vaccine clinic after the Clifford Gardens site was closed in April.

To book a vaccination, head to the state government’s website.