Australia: Many expatriates are not receiving booster shots against COVID-19

Many Greek Australians who have contracted COVID-19 are failing to get their booster shots of the vaccine against the disease, which worries Professor Marini Pyrpyri* (PhD), a member of the Victorian Perioperative Services Council.

«Vaccines protect you,» emphasized Dr. Pyrpyris, speaking recently to «Neos Kosmos» and Fotis Kapetopoulos.

«This pandemic affects as many people as possible and has serious health consequences,» explained the expatriate doctor, pointing out that if you do not get vaccinated, according to the authorities« recommendations (if you are not up to date), »the risk of infection from the coronavirus increases fivefold.".

Many fellow citizens, he said, have been influenced by «misinformation circulating on social media.».

«Some Greek families, adult children, and elderly people have decided that COVID should be treated with skepticism,» said Dr. Pyrpyris.

However, «the coronavirus does not choose who to infect based on who is skeptical and who is not.».

Scientific communities, which analyze data, «form opinions based on science rather than social commentary.».

One «striking feature» is that in communities where English is not the primary language, «the level of booster vaccinations is lower than in the wider community.».

The data, he said, confirm that reinfection with coronavirus increases the risk of serious health problems, even in young people.

«It doubles the risk of ‘long COVID’—a prolonged period of COVID symptoms and health effects—and increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as the risk of death,» explained Dr. Pyrpyris.

He expressed concern that many young people in their 20s and 30s are getting sick with COVID again and again.

Recent studies, the Greek-American doctor pointed out, show that the disease has negative effects on brain skills, such as slowing down cognitive function even in younger people.

«This is not just a simple cold or flu,» Dr. Pyrpyris emphasized. «Reinfection and long COVID can result in shrinkage of the brain's gray matter.».

The long-term effects of COVID on the brain should not be considered insignificant, he added, «even by those who have milder cases and do not need to be hospitalized.».

Coronavirus infection, more than once, he said, increases the hospitalization rate by 7.5 times and the risk of death by 15 times.

«Members of the Greek community really need to be protected from the effects of this disease,» he stressed.

«We should seriously consider not going to crowded places... because of the risk. If you visit someone who has an underlying condition or is elderly... protect yourself and them by wearing a mask, washing your hands, and getting vaccinated.».

«Based on scientific findings, vaccination is effective, and those who have not received the booster dose should do so as soon as possible.».

Those who are «concerned about vaccines,» he said, can discuss the issue with their doctor.

«Ask questions, get informed, and make decisions. If you decide not to get vaccinated, then please understand the risks (to you and) your family.».

The professor estimated that we will have to learn to live with COVID «for a long time.».

«As the virus changes frequently, we expect that with the new knowledge we gain over time, COVID will become less aggressive and our bodies will develop mechanisms to resist it.».

New vaccines, specifically for Omicron and its subvariants—which so far appear to be more «flexible» in terms of immunity acquired through infection or existing vaccines—are expected to arrive in Australia in the near future. Protection against the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants is estimated to last approximately 28 days.

Currently, across Australia, the number of people hospitalized with COVID has fallen from its peak in late July (5,571) but remains high (3,723), with the health system still under significant pressure.

According to ABC data, there has also been a significant drop in new cases each day, from 55,000 to around 10,000 (as well as in the number of people being tested).

The average number of deaths per day (per week) also decreased from 157 (July 29), but remains high (73). Indicatively, the loss of human life - from or with COVID - was 96 on Saturday and 37 on Sunday.

Victoria recorded 18 deaths, bringing the total to 5,109 since the start of the pandemic.

Across Australia, according to official federal government data, the percentage of people (aged 16 and over) who have received at least one dose is 97.9%. For those who have received two doses, the rate is 96.2%, and for those who have received a third dose, the rate is 71.6%.

However, it is reduced to 39% for those aged 30 and over, who are recommended or can also take the 4th dose, as the best protection against serious illness and death, at least until the new vaccines specifically for Omicron are approved and released in Australia.

*Dr. Marinis Pyrpyris is an Associate Professor, PhD, MEpi, MBBS, BMedSci, Grad Dip Epid Biostat, FRACS, member of the Victorian Perioperative Consultative Council, Perioperative COVID Expert Working Group, Head of Orthopaedics at Cabrini Hospitals Melbourne, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Epworth Hospitals Melbourne, President of the Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association Trauma Society, and President of the Hellenic Medical Association of Australia.