Skip to content
COVID19, Medical Health Aged Care

Australians believe COVID-19 risk is ‘new normal’, yet with winter here, COVID-safe behaviours are in decline

Pfizer Australia 4 mins read
  • New research shows Australians increasingly report being less likely to take protective measures or act if they suspect they have COVID-19.
  • Over 60s show significant concern about COVID-19, despite 3 in 5 being unaware of their potential eligibility for anti-virals.1
  • Australians urged to renew their COVID-safe behaviours to help protect their communities.

 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 9 June 2023 – Results from new research released today show that Australians increasingly view the risk of COVID-19 as the ‘new normal’, with nearly three-quarters (74%) believing that COVID-19 will be viewed similarly to the seasonal flu a year from now.1 The results also reveal a declining trend in COVID-safe behaviours across the community, even as Australia continues to report more than 38,000 cases a week and approaches a potential fifth COVID wave.2,3

The COVID Community Sentiment Index, a quantitative research survey regularly commissioned by Pfizer Australia, canvassed Australians’ views on COVID-19 in May 2023.

 

The most recent research found that COVID-19 continues to be a significant concern for older Australians. More than three-quarters (77%) of those over the age of 60 believe COVID-19 will continue to impact their lives in a year’s time and nearly half (47%) believe new variants will emerge and impact their lives. Yet in this age group, 3 in 5 (61%) were unaware of their eligibility status for anti-viral medicines should they test positive for COVID-19.1

 

“As we age, we tend to have more risk factors for developing severe disease, so it’s important to have an early discussion with your GP or nurse practitioner about whether oral anti-viral medicines suit your health needs, and to develop a plan if you test positive to COVID-19.” said Pfizer Australia Medical Director, Dr Krishan Thiru.

The results also show that compared to a year ago, more than one in three (36%) Australians are less likely to test for COVID-19 when they experience symptoms and more than two in five (43%) are less likely to consult their General Practitioner (GP) if they test positive for COVID-19 - with both May 2023 figures increasing compared to figures in November 2022.1,4 Additionally, one in four of those at higher risk of severe illness are less likely to test (23%) or see a GP (25%) if they experience COVID-19 symptoms.1

 

Recent Federal Government data for the week ending 30 May 2023 reported 38,618 cases of COVID-19 across Australia, an average of 5,517 cases per day, with experts suggesting Australia is approaching a fifth wave of COVID-19.2,3

 

Professor Robert Booy, Infectious Diseases Specialist, University of Sydney, urged vigilance with winter here. “Winter brings with it colder months, and more time spent indoors, all of which increase the likelihood of the spread of respiratory infections like influenza and COVID-19. This year there is a real risk of a triple wave of influenza, COVID-19 and other viruses impacting our communities and those at higher risk of severe illness.

 

“This research shows 4 in 5 of us know someone who is at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19. We can all help protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities by staying up to date with booster vaccinations, practicing COVID-safe behaviours, such as wearing masks, hand sanitisation and social distancing, testing if you feel unwell and checking your eligibility for oral anti-viral medicines as we head into the colder season” Professor Booy said.

 

There are a range of factors that increase an individual’s risk of serious illness, hospitalisation, and death from COVID-19. These include age, health conditions, whether someone is taking treatments for another condition or whether someone is from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background.5,6 Australians can confirm if they are at higher risk of developing severe disease from COVID-19 and their eligibility for oral anti-viral medicines by checking at www.health.gov.au or covidantiviral.com.au.

 

**ENDS**

 

References

 

1 Pfizer Australia and New Zealand. Data on file, May 2023.

2 Australian Government. Coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers and statistics. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/case-numbers-and-statistics (last accessed 2 June 2023).

3 ABC News. Australia's fifth COVID-19 wave is approaching. What can we expect from Omicron this time? Available at:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-23/covid-omicron-fifth-wave-winter-2023/102374504 (last accessed 2 June 2023).

4 Pfizer Australia and New Zealand. Data on file, November 2022.

5 Australian Government. Advice for groups at greater risk. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/advice-for-groups-at-risk (last accessed 2 June 2023).

6 Australian Government. Risk factors for more serious illness. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/advice-for-groups-at-risk/risk-factors-for-more-serious-illness (last accessed 2 June 2023).


About us:

 

About the survey

Pfizer Australia commissioned a series of quantitative research surveys to canvass Australians’ understanding and perceived risk of COVID-19. The COVID Community Sentiment Index anonymous online surveys were conducted between 7-10 November 2022 and 10-12 May 2023, and each sampled 1,000 Australians aged 18 years and older. The survey samples resembled the Australian population in terms of gender, age, state, and location.1,4

About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives™

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time.

Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. For more information, please visit: www.pfizer.com.au.

 

Disclosure Notice

The information contained in this release is as of 7 June 2023. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.


Contact details:

mediaANZ@pfizer.com and marnie@senateshj.com.au / +61 491 619 319 (on behalf of Pfizer)

Media

More from this category

  • Medical Health Aged Care, Mental Health
  • 13/10/2024
  • 09:00
Department of Veterans' Affairs

Media Release – Minister Keogh – Keep Connected This Veteran’s Health Week

THE HON MATT KEOGH MP Minister for VETERANS’ AFFAIRS MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL MEDIA RELEASE 13 October 2024 Keep Connected This Veterans’ Health Week Veterans’ Health Week is our annual reminder that while service takes a toll on veterans and families, there are so many innovative ways and support opportunities to maintain and improve mental health and keep connected. With so many people losing contact with their mates - their Defence family - when they leave service, it’s so important that people find new ways to keep in touch after transition. This year’s theme for Veterans’ Health Week is ‘Keep…

  • Medical Health Aged Care, Women
  • 13/10/2024
  • 00:05
Breast Cancer Network Australia

Incurable breast cancer is affecting more than 10,000 Australians, many of them look very well.

EMBARGOED UNTIL 13th October Incurable breast cancer is affecting more than 10,000 Australians, many of them look very well. The survival rates of women…

  • Contains:
  • Government Federal, Medical Health Aged Care
  • 11/10/2024
  • 17:27
Catholic Health Australia

Catholic Health Australia supports Aged Care Act and suggests improvements

Catholic Health Australia (CHA) expressed support for the passage of the Aged Care Act during its appearance before the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs on Friday. Policy Directors Laura Haylen and Alex Lynch appeared before the Committee to outline the views of the Catholic aged care sector, representing over 350 aged care facilities and 20 per cent of the home care market. The new Act delivers on the key recommendations of the Royal Commission and lays the foundations for a higher quality and sustainable aged care sector for all Australians, whether they live in a city, regional town or…

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.