SA Health has reported there were 2493 COVID-19 cases recorded during the week started Monday 6 November, up from 1691 cases the week before, and only 546 cases in the last week of August.

This has prompted a call for eligible South Australians - particularly susceptible groups such as older people and those with chronic illness - to increase their immunity and reduce their risk of serious illness by having a COVID-19 booster.

Chief Public Health Officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said all South Australians should take measures to protect others who are more at risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

“I strongly recommend if you have a family member living in residential aged care, and they haven’t had a vaccination or a COVID-19 infection in the last six months, to speak to their aged care provider and support them to have another booster dose this week," Professor Spurrier said.

“Please take measures to protect others who are more susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19, including avoiding contact with them if you have symptoms and wearing a mask when necessary.”

Vaccine booster doses are readily available through GPs and pharmacies. Current vaccinations offer protection against all COVID-19 variants, reducing the likelihood of severe disease, hospitalisation and death.

Latest advice recommends a booster for people aged 75 years and older if six months has elapsed from the last booster dose or COVID-19 infection, regardless of whether they had a booster early in 2023.

In addition, people with impaired immunity through older age, chronic disease or immunocompromise may benefit from having a second booster in 2023.

The more common COVID-19 variant reported in South Australia at the moment is XBB, a recombinant Omicron variant.

As a reminder, COVID-19 symptoms can vary from very mild to severe, and can include runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever or chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache, changes in taste or smell and muscle and body aches.

Regardless of whether you test COVID-19 positive or not, if you are sick, stay at home until your symptoms have resolved to reduce the risk of spreading your infection to others more at risk.

For more information visit the SA Health website.