Abstract
Long Covid (LC) remains a risk following any Covid-19 infection or reinfection. It includes a syndrome of long-term symptoms, a substantially increased risk of sudden death, and silent cell and organ damage that may predispose to later illness. Consequently, it produces a large burden of illness for our communities, healthcare system, and economy. Covid-19 vaccination reduces the risk of LC following Omicron infection, but there is still around a 10% risk of LC among vaccinated individuals.
Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) needs a coordinated response from Government to minimise LC incidence and impact. In addition to funding treatment and support services, this strategy must include public health and social measures to protect individuals and populations from exposure to Covid-19. We also need a programme to maximise vaccine coverage across all age groups, including young people and pregnant women. These interventions must be supported by a concerted and clear information campaign, targeted surveillance, and research.