- Almost one in four Australians are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19.1
- Only three in five (59%) Australians at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 are likely to test when they experience COVID symptoms.2
- Ahead of winter, Australians at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 are urged to make a plan with their GP, test if they suspect COVID-19, and act fast if they test positive.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 12 April 2024 – New research released today shows three quarters (74%) of those Australians at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 do not have a COVID plan in place with their General Practitioner (GP) if they test positive for the virus.2 The findings come ahead of winter and an anticipated rise in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19.
There are a range of factors that put people at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19. These include being over 50 years, having a health condition such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory conditions, being immunocompromised, or being from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background.3
The findings were captured in the fourth COVID Community Sentiment Index, a quantitative research survey of 1,000 Australians commissioned by Pfizer Australia in March 2024. For the first time, the Index separately surveyed 100 Australian GPs.2
The research found that 89% of GPs reported being concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on the patients they treat, compared to only 67% of the general population who expressed the same concerns about the impact of COVID-19 in their communities.2
Dr Daniel Nour, founder of not-for-profit Street Side Medics and 2022 Young Australian of the Year, urges Australians to remain alert to the impact of the disease on more vulnerable people: “For most, COVID-19 is no longer front of mind, but the virus is still with us and we anticipate a surge this winter. If someone you care about is at higher risk of serious illness – maybe an elderly parent, a neighbour, a friend – check whether they have a COVID plan in place before they test positive”, Dr Nour said.
“If you are among the almost one in four Australians at risk of serious illness from COVID-19, you may be eligible for antiviral medicines. But you need to act quickly – oral antiviral treatment needs to be commenced as soon as possible after testing positive for COVID-19 and within five days of symptoms starting. Now is the time to check your eligibility and make a plan with your GP. If you do test positive, don’t wait for worsening symptoms
