2022 was a tough year for many reasons, and COVID-19 was still a big part of that.
Last year – three years into the pandemic – COVID-19 was responsible for around 12,000 deaths.
Now, with restrictions eased, the government appears to be relying on immunity from vaccines and prior infections to see cases fall eventually.
But is this really what’s going to happen? Could we lower the death rate by doing more?
Dr Sophie Calabretto talks to Cosmos Magazine journalist Ellen Phiddian to find out.
The Science Briefing is a LiSTNR production
Listen to more episodes of The Science Briefing
More on COVID-19 and immunity:
- COVID-19 immunity doesn’t seem to be working well enough to manage the pandemic, says Burnet Institute head
- Borders and boosters: what tools should we really be using against COVID in 2023?
- Long COVID may deal “lifelong disability” if no action taken says new research
Originally published by Cosmos as Immunity and vaccines: What’s wrong with the government’s COVID strategy?
Sophie Calabretto
Dr Sophie Calabretto is a mathematician specialising in fluid mechanics. She is Honorary Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University and Honorary Associate Professor, at the ACE Research Group, University of Leicester.
Ellen Phiddian
Ellen Phiddian is a science journalist at Cosmos. She has a BSc (Honours) in chemistry and science communication, and an MSc in science communication, both from the Australian National University.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.