People in Australia and New Zealand are being urged to check their Covid booster shots are up to date as the festive season kicks off. 

While the risk of catching the Omicron strain over Christmas and New Year’s Eve may be lower than previous years, experts say booster jabs are still essential. 

Hospitalisation data from Te Whatu Ora shows traces of the Covid virus are still being detected at all monitored wastewater sites. 

University of Otago public health professor Michael Baker and Professor Nikki Turner, from University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, warned that protection against Covid wanes over time, particularly for those at higher risk. 

‘Even with activity at its lowest point in years, Omicron has not disappeared,’ they wrote in The Conversation on Thursday. 

‘Small waves still appear and clinicians continue to see serious infections.

‘Older New Zealanders, those who are pregnant, have important underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems are at markedly higher risk of serious consequences.’

‘That means staying up to date with vaccination is still important – especially when we consider that protection from vaccination declines over time,’ the experts wrote. 

People in New Zealand and Australia are being urged to make sure their vaccinations against Covid-19 are up to date (pictured, people in Perth in January 2021)

People in New Zealand have been urged to take care during the summer regarding other respiratory infections by Professors Michael Baker and Nikki Turner (stock image)

By receiving a booster vaccine, people can restore protection and reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death. 

‘It may also provide some defence against long Covid, although that protection appears to depend on prior history of vaccination and infection,’ they said.

The vaccine is free for all eligible Australians and New Zealanders. 

Anyone aged 30 or over can receive an additional dose once six months have passed since their last vaccine or infection.

They said a booster before the festive season is a ‘wise idea’ and a practical way to lower the risk for people in New Zealand.

Australian government advice, last updated in September, says regular vaccinations are the ‘best way’ to protect against severe illness, hospitalisation and death. 

‘They are especially important for anyone aged 65 or older and people at higher risk of severe Covid-19,’ it read. 

Professors Turner and Baker have also issued warnings about the risk of measles as Te Whatu Ora recorded 18 known cases of the virus as of November 9. 

By receiving a booster vaccine, people can restore protection and reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death, experts said (pictured, swimmers in Perth in February 2021)

Measles can be very serious, particularly for those who are unvaccinated, pregnant or have weakened immune systems.

NSW Health last week revealed a person in Sydney had caught the virus even though they had not been overseas or visited any known exposure sites. 

Earlier this month, the department warned someone with measles had been at Oasis’ sold-out concert in Sydney, as well as a Jelly Roll gig in Brisbane in October. 

The experts encouraged people to ensure they have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunisation, which is free in both Australia and New Zealand. 

Influenza cases are low at this time of year, so Covid remains one of the more likely causes of respiratory illness. 

‘The chances of catching an unwelcome bout of Covid for Christmas might be lower than ever – but strengthening immunity now helps safeguard families and the health system during one of the busiest times on the calendar,’ the experts wrote.