Dr Malini Yugendran
Auckland, March 2, 2023
According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Health on 27 February 2023, New Zealand has seen an increase in the number of confirmed and probable Covid-19 cases.
Case Outcomes
The Ministry’s figures indicate a seven-day rolling average of 1279 new cases per week, which is significantly higher than in previous weeks.
The data also shows that in the past week alone, there were 9100 new cases, with 3813 of those being reinfections.
The data also provided a breakdown of Covid-19 cases by location, with Auckland reporting the highest number of cases at 211,505. Other areas with high numbers of cases include Canterbury (286,569), Capital and Coast (155,346), and Counties Manukau (255,488).
As of midnight on Sunday, there were 200 Covid-19 patients in the hospital, with three in intensive care.
The number of deaths attributed to Covid-19 decreased to one, bringing the total to 2542.
Long Covid
The Long Covid Evidence Brief of 2022 produced by the Ministry of Health provided an update on emerging evidence on Long Covid, including the symptoms and impact on patients, the effectiveness of treatments and interventions, and the global response to Long Covid.
The brief highlighted the need for ongoing surveillance of Long Covid, investment in research, and the importance of a patient-centered approach to care.
Additionally, the brief provides information on the Ministry’s Long Covid programme, which aims to provide support and services to patients experiencing ongoing symptoms after Covid-19 infection.
The University of Otago hosted a symposium in 2022 to discuss employment protections and medical guidance for individuals suffering from Long Covid in New Zealand. According to a major study, about 300,000 people are likely to experience Long Covid.
Dr Sandhya Ramanathan (An Auckland based doctor whose Covid-19 video went viral and has been dubbed in 16 languages), told Indian Newslink, “Long Covid, refers to the ongoing symptoms experienced by some people for 12 weeks or more after being infected with Covid-19. These symptoms can be wide-ranging and affect different parts of the body, such as the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, neurological system, and mental health. Common symptoms of long Covid include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, brain fog, depression, anxiety, and muscle weakness, among others.” Dr Ramanathan recommended that people follow the guidance of healthcare professionals and get their vaccinations and boosters.
Booster Vaccination
From 1 March 2023, the Pfizer BA.4/5 Covid-19 bivalent vaccine replaced the Pfizer booster in New Zealand. People who are eligible for a first or second booster can receive the bivalent BA.4/5 vaccine now.
From April 1, anyone aged 30 and over, and people at higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19, can receive an additional booster, if it has been at least six months since their last Covid-19 booster or positive Covid-19 test.
A second booster is recommended for those at increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19. This includes people aged 65 years and over. Māori and Pacific peoples aged 50 years and over are also advised to take the booster vaccine. The Ministry also recommended booster for residents of aged care and disability care facilities, and severely immunocompromised people. Adults aged 16 years and over who have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe Covid-19 illness, and people aged 16 years and over who live with disability with significant or complex health needs or multiple comorbidities should also take booster shots.
The Pfizer vaccine remains the preferred Covid-19 vaccine for use in New Zealand.
Novavax is available as a booster at least six months after completing the primary course of any Covid-19 vaccine used in New Zealand.
You can book an appointment for a booster dose through Book My Vaccine, or by calling the Covid Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 (8am to 8pm, seven days a week).
Dr Malini Yugendran is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
