Omicron subvariants BA4 and BA5 are fast becoming the dominant covid strains, representing 35 per cent of cases in in NSW. 

This has prompted health experts to call for Australians over 50 to get the fourth covid jab.

Currently, there are around 1000 Australians dying each month from Omicron.

Combined with soaring rates of influenza, this current wave is presenting severe risks to public health.

Infectious disease expert Professor Robert Booy said: “It’s right in our face, it’s right here and now … and getting a booster in is one way of protecting people who are otherwise at risk.”

Mr Booy also spoke of the work being done to create an Omicron-specific vaccine.

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