Australia Needs To Address Vaccine Hesitancy To Reach Herd Immunity

Achieving herd immunity against the coronavirus has been the key goal for scientists, health workers and governments around the world. However, given Australia’s vaccine hesitancy rates, we may struggle to reach it here. Without herd immunity, opening international borders and returning to a pre-COVID normal will be extremely difficult.

Australia’s vaccine hesitancy rates have been recorded as high as 36%. Although currently vaccine demand is higher than what the government can supply, by July the rollout speed could drop from hesitancy. To achieve herd immunity, we would require between 65%-90% of the population to be vaccinated, with no vaccines currently approved for children. Unless health officials target and engage vaccine hesitancy groups, and improve the rollout, these numbers won’t be reached.

Many Australians are concerned about the recent reports of clotting. Reports have shown that there is NO increased incidence of general clotting in vaccinated groups. One rare blood clotting syndrome has been observed in approximately 1-2 people per million who receive the vaccine, but no causal link has been established. By comparison, the risk of death from COVID-19 can sit at 1-2 deaths per 100 people infected. COVID-19 will continue to be a risk, even in the relative safety of Australia, until we reach herd immunity.

The CPAP Clinic is a leading Australian provider of Respiratory, Sleep Disorders, Cardiology and PPE services and products. Based in Sydney, it has a network of 40 clinics nationwide.