New COVID-19 wave here 'for a few more weeks yet'

The new wave of COVID-19 continues to strengthen around the country.

Queensland AMA President Dr Maria Boulton said there were more than 700 people with COVID-19 in state hospitals at the moment.

"Our hospitals are stretched and we're expecting to be riding this wave for a few more weeks yet," she told Today.

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"In Queensland, not enough people have had a booster dose. We know that only 50 per cent of people over the age of 65 have had a booster."

She said she understood why people were "fatigued" with COVID-19, and with the relentless emphasis on vaccinations.

But not only do COVID-19 and flu jabs keep people out of hospital, they allow beds to be freed up for patients with less preventable illness.

"Every year we all go have our flu vaccine. We also do it with the tetanus boosters, every five to 10 years," Boulton said.

"It's not unexpected. It's a very small thing we just need to add to our annual calendar."

But the rising Omicron cases were also due to the contagiousness of the new variants, combined with people not staying home when sick or wearing masks outside.

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"We don't want to return to any restrictions," Boulton said.

"But we do recommend that if you're in an area where you can't socially distance or in a healthcare setting, in a pharmacy, clinic or hospital, please put a mask on."

Watch the full segment with Dr Boulton above

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