Australian health experts are emphasising the need to maintain vigilance and keep up-to-date with your vaccination status in the face of a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Despite assurances that the virus shouldn't overshadow Christmas this year, Australia is currently grappling with a substantial wave of transmission.

Associate Professor James Trauer, the Head of the Epidemiological Modelling Unit at the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University, notes that traditional metrics like daily case numbers no longer provide a clear picture of the extent of transmission due to a decline in testing. Instead, alternative data sources such as wastewater surveillance and hospital admissions reveal a notable increase in infections over recent months.

While the severity of Covid cases has diminished with fewer ICU admissions, Trauer attributes this to high levels of population immunity resulting from both natural infection and vaccination. Covid has transitioned into an 'endemic' phase, indicating continuous transmission that peaks and troughs as immunity wanes after previous waves.

The emergence of new variants contributes to these fluctuations. Although closely monitored, current variants don't appear to cause more severe disease than their predecessors. Predicting peak infection periods has become more challenging due to the significant impact of new variants in each wave.

Given the short-lived immunity after infection, reducing short-term transmission has limited impact on long-term infection rates. Trauer underscores the crucial role of immunity, emphasising vaccination, especially for those most vulnerable to severe outcomes, such as individuals over 65 or those with risk factors.

He recommends considering booster shots, aligning with ATAGI's guidelines, particularly with the availability of recently approved monovalent vaccines that offer enhanced protection against current variants.

In addition to vaccination, Trauer stresses the importance of precautions when interacting with high-risk individuals, like those in aged care facilities. This includes pre-visit testing and the use of face masks during such interactions. While these measures may have minimal short-term impact on the current wave, they remain essential in protecting those at risk of severe disease.

There hasn't been a single case reported at Blue Haven in Kiama, showcasing the effectiveness of preventive measures in specific regions.