Now the covid contagion is considered a pandemic of the unvaxxed , yet most detected cases recover .
Those recovered do obviously have now a measure of immunity from damaging subsequent infection exposure
As such should these now many people be considered vaccinated ? and so added to the vaxx stats
Should there be a certificate declaring positive vaxx status from naturally acquired immunity that is equal in priviledge as the unnaturally acquired vaxx immunity ?
Class as defined only by gross income generally denotes a level of discretionary spending potential which can relate to better intrinsic health and often better morale with higher quality care through private health insurance advantages which reasonably should be considered to influence morbitity outcomes in favour of survival
When the vaxxed vs unvaxxed was 50/50 in number of people ,i wonder what was the % of middle Australia upwards of each and what was the death rates thereof , as per popular culture should be the same ....
From what I understand, the OP might be saying that COVID-19 hits the poorest people hardest. (But I'm not sure.)
It would be true that a nutritionally poor diet is a risk factor when it comes to any disease... and those who aren't wealthy are more likely to be in jobs such as aged care, warehouse work for supermarkets and chains of supply, meat packing - which is where we saw so many outbreaks in 2020.
But... vaccinations are free. Every encouragement is being given to go and be vaccinated. Employers were more than happy to give workers a little time off after a jab if needed, if that meant that the employee would be vaccinated - but that isn't as likely to happen now, given the huge number of people in all walks of life and in all jobs or professions who are furloughed because of COVID-19 infection.
At any rate... there is no disadvantage to anyone in terms of vaccine availability based upon their class or wealth or status or hat size or preference in music or eye colour... The vaccines are free, every single one of them.
For people who would find it hard to afford disposable P2 masks, the risk of inhaling the SARS-CoV-2 virus is appreciably higher... and that's especially relevant for Omicron. The cheapest option is those weird alien-like P2/N95 masks that are used in the painting or sawmill etc. trades, where breathing in noxious particulates is a risk that has to be mitigated. Those masks can be purchased for anywhere between $45 and $90 usually, and the filters are replaced after a certain time. But they're uncomfortable and not the sort of thing most people would want to be seen wearing.
Some P2/N95 single-use masks are available in a 10-pack for ~$26.40. If people limit their going out, they can stretch out that packet to at least a couple of weeks. Ideally a single-use mask should be discarded after use, but if someone is going to re-use it, the absolute upper limit should be 4 hours in total, and less if you're saturating the mask. Once it is saturated, it's of no use anymore and MUST be replaced.
If worst comes to worst and one can't afford that, triple-layer cloth masks can be worn, but they are not as effective at preventing exposure to the virus. Better than nothing... and there's no one who cannot make one of those for themselves, or get someone to make them one, or buy one (as long as it is TRIPLE LAYER and covers both the nose and the mouth, and has a nose guard sewn or glued at the top to prevent space between the mask and the face).
obviously the privately health ensured have access to a higher level of care or else what would be the justification in paying exorbitant premiums ?
TAX.
The justification is - choices - you get there sooner.
If you earn over $90,000 (as a single) - per annum - you either join a private health insurer - or pay the Medicare Levy ' SURCHARGE ' - which theoretically could prove more expensive.
obviously the privately health ensured have access to a higher level of care or else what would be the justification in paying exorbitant premiums ?
I don't think having private health insurance counts for much if you end up in a COVID ward in a public hospital (not sure how many Private Hospitals have dedicated COVID wards).
Hospitals are stretched in the eastern states as it is. I doubt they have the luxury of offering "Private" patients private rooms if being treated for COVID.
(hospitals are busy enough now . . . so I'm not going to call one and ask about this AND I discourage anyone else calling a hospital to find out)
As far as premiums go, my health fund has rolled-over any unused 2021 entitlements due to reduced level of claims in 2021 due to COVID. By way of example, this means I can get two pairs of glasses on my health cover this year instead if one.
obviously the privately health ensured have access to a higher level of care or else what would be the justification in paying exorbitant premiums ?
You may need to rethink this and consider the current health situation in the country. Many people take out health insurance because access to care and treatment is often quicker. But ATM, most hospitals are struggling because several doctors and nurses either have Covid or are quarantining. Non-clinical nurses are filling in for the clinical nurses in the Covid wards, especially in the private sector. The public hospitals are bigger, have more staff and the best supply of equipment. What amounts to a "higher level of care" is debatable. You may get a glass of wine while battling Covid in a private hospital, but the nurses and doctors in both sectors are equally competent in responding to Covid. You just need to hope they are available, wherever you may end up!
