Survey shows COVID on the backburner in the lead up to the higher risk season¹

• This summer, 9 in 10 Australians (91%) plan to visit loved ones, attend public venues, or travel by plane or public transport this season²
• However, less than half (42%) say they would test for COVID-19 if symptomatic, and one in five (19%) admit they are likely to be in public even if they test positive²
• A few simple steps can help keep your holiday on track and keep those at higher risk better protected from serious illness.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, 29 November 2024 – New results from the COVID Community Sentiment Index reveal that while 9 in 10 (91%) Australians, along with 92% of Australians at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, are gearing up for an active summer holiday, many are putting COVID-safe behaviours on the backburner.² Experts are warning Australians not to let COVID disrupt their holiday plans ahead of a historically higher risk season.¹

The findings were captured in the fifth COVID Community Sentiment Index, a quantitative research survey of 1,000 Australians commissioned by Pfizer Australia in November 2024.

The results showed that less than half (42%) of Australians say they would test for COVID-19 if symptomatic, and nearly one in five (19%) say they would likely go out in public even if they tested positive.² With 72% of Australians likely to travel during the holidays, one third (34%) do not intend to wash or sanitise their hands regularly while traveling, and two-thirds (66%) say they do not plan to test for COVID-19 before traveling, even if symptomatic.²

Among Australians at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, two-thirds (67%) plan to travel this summer.² However, only 24% have discussed a COVID action plan with their GP, and just half (51%) would test if experiencing symptoms before traveling.²

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

Additionally, fewer than 1 in 3 (30%) Australians at higher risk of serious illness intend to familiarise themselves with local health services at their travel destinations, and only 27% plan to check for COVID-19 coverage in their travel insurance.²

Mark Brooke, CEO of Lung Foundation Australia, emphasised the importance of Australians at higher risk of serious illness having a COVID-19 plan that works while travelling. “With so many Australians looking forward to a well-deserved break this summer, having a simple COVID-19 plan may help those at higher risk of serious illness feel more prepared and confident, reducing the chance of unexpected disruptions”, Mr Brooke said.

“Talking to your GP about your COVID-19 action plan before the holiday season ensures you know what steps to take if symptoms appear and you help protect yourself and those around you, no matter where you are. Checking your travel insurance and familiarising yourself with local health services at your destination are also small but important ways to stay safe while enjoying your holiday.”

For all other Australians, Mr Brooke reminds them: “Simple steps like regular handwashing and staying mindful of others when unwell can also help safeguard public health, especially during the busy holiday season.”

With COVID-19 still present in the community, Australians at higher risk of serious illness are being reminded to take proactive steps to protect their health. For those Australians at higher risk of serious illness who test positive, early action can help reduce the severity of COVID-19.

Dr Krishan Thiru, Medical Director at Pfizer Australia and New Zealand said: “While we know that COVID-19 has become a part of everyday life, we cannot forget many remain at higher risk of hospitalisation and serious illness. This time of year historically sees an increase in COVID-19 cases, making it important for Australians at higher risk of serious illness to act quickly if they test positive."

"Some people may feel fine and think they don’t need to act on COVID-19 symptoms. However, for those at higher risk, early testing, understanding your eligibility for oral antiviral treatments, and acting early can make a big difference," he added.

Dr Thiru also highlighted the importance of timely treatment: “Oral antiviral treatment, if prescribed, 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, do not wait for worsening symptoms – contact your GP right away.”

Australians can check if they are at higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19 and their eligibility for oral antiviral medicines at www.health.gov.au or https://www.knowplango.com.au/

**ENDS**

About the Survey

This is the fifth iteration of Pfizer Australia’s COVID Community Sentiment Index, a quantitative research survey to canvass Australians’ understanding the perceived risk of COVID-19. The survey was conducted between 1-5 November 2024, sampling 1,000 Australians aged 18 years and older and resembling the Australian population in terms of gender, age, state, and location. These are statistically representative sample sizes.

Previous COVID Community Sentiment Index surveys were conducted between 7-10 November 2022, 10-12 May 2023, 27-30 November 2023 and 1-3 March 2024 each sampled at least 1,000 Australians aged 18 years and older. Survey samples resembled the Australian population in terms of gender, age, state, and location.^4,5,6,7

Further results from the November 2024 COVID-19 Community Sentiment Index

• 91% of Australians said they would be undertaking at least one of the following indoor activities this summer: visiting loved ones in their homes, visiting a loved one in an aged care facility / nursing home, visiting public venues (e.g. museums, movie theatre), visiting an indoor bar / pub / nightclub / restaurant, travelling by plane, travelling by public transport.²
• This comes as Australians are feeling less concerned about the impacts of COVID-19 in the community, with concern dropping by 20% in November 2024 compared to levels reported ahead of winter in March 2024.²
• Just under half (47%) of Australians are concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on their community.²
  • The overall number of Australians concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on their community has dropped by 20% from pre-winter sentiment in March 2024.⁷
• Just under half (47%) of Australians are concerned about their personal risk of serious illness from COVID-19.²
  • The overall number of Australians concerned for their personal risk has dropped by 15% from pre-winter sentiment in March 2024.⁷
• Only 42% of Australians are likely to test for COVID-19 if they experience any symptoms.²
• 63% of Australians at higher risk of serious illness are concerned about their personal risk of serious illness from COVID-19²
• 69% of Australians at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 have not made a plan with their GP in case they test positive for COVID-19²
• Fewer than two thirds (56%) of Australians at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 are likely to test if they experience symptoms²
• As part of travel preparations or while travelling:
  • 75% of Australians at higher risk of serious illness intend to wash and sanitise their hands²
  • Half (51%) of Australians at higher risk of serious illness intend to test for COVID before travel if they have symptoms²
  • Just under third of (30%) of Australians at higher risk of serious illness intend to familiarise themselves with health services and contacts at their travel destinations²
  • Just over a quarter (27%) of Australians at higher risk of serious illness intend to check for COVID-19 cover in their travel insurance²
  • A third (33%) of Australians at higher risk of serious illness intend to avoid larger events²

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 29 November. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.

References

1. Australian Government. COVID-19 reporting. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/covid-19/reporting?language=und (last accessed 19 November 2024)
2. Pfizer Australia and New Zealand. Data on file, November 2024.
3. Australian Government. Eligibility for oral COVID-19 treatments. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/treatments/eligibility (last accessed 19 November 2024).
4. Pfizer Australia and New Zealand. Data on file, November 2022.
5. Pfizer Australia and New Zealand. Data on file, May 2023.
6. Pfizer Australia and New Zealand. Data on file, November 2023.
7. Pfizer Australia and New Zealand. Data on file, March 2024.

mediaANZ@pfizer.com and chloe@senateshj.com.au / +61 466 626 429 (on behalf of Pfizer)