Otago and Southland communities are being reminded about how to stay well, as a fifth wave of the COVID-19 virus sweeps the country ahead of the festive season.

WellSouth Primary Health Network Clinical Director Dr Carol Atmore, said people who are older and or who have other health problems are most vulnerable to getting very sick from Covid. 

“Many of these people who catch Covid-19 are much more likely to become very unwell, or suffer from Long Covid."

“We have seen increasing numbers of deaths in the last three weeks as a consequence of this,” Atmore said.

She encouraged people to think about the timing of the fifth wave with the impending festival season where families, friends and work mates will be getting together. 

“Think about how you hold your end-of-year parties, so you don’t give your team Covid as a pre-Christmas present, and how to keep well and support loved ones during this time.”

Atmore said if it was more than six months since your last booster or your last Covid infection, and you are on the list below, then think about getting a further Covid-19 booster vaccination to protect yourself and the community. 

• all people over 65 years old

• Māori and Pacific people aged 50 and over

• pregnant people with health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19

• people with disability with significant or complex health needs

• people with serious mental health conditions

• young people aged 12 to 15 who have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 (talk to your usual doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider about whether this is recommended and how to get a prescription).

People who are up to date with COVID-19 boosters, those who are most likely to benefit from another dose in late 2023 include:

• Anyone aged 75 and older

• Māori and Pacific people aged 65 and older

• People aged 16 and older who are severely immunocompromised

• People aged 30 to 74 with significant complex health needs that increase the risk of frailty (e.g. those living in residential care and those with long term medical conditions)

Atmore reminded people that if you are feeling unwell, to stay at home and if visiting people in hospital or rest homes, to wear a mask and don’t stay too long.

Also with end of year parties looming, to wear a mask when you are indoors in crowded, poorly ventilated places.