It’s been five years since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Since then, we’ve seen loss, illness, and major lifestyle changes. Businesses closed. Work and daily life shifted. Many think COVID is over. But the virus and its evolving variants are still spreading widely in Australia.
A new COVID variant is currently making its way through Australia. Health officials are urging Australians, especially those in high-risk groups, to get their booster shots. This is because vaccination remains one of the best defences as we head into winter.
What is the new COVID variant in 2025?
A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is now the dominant strain in parts of Australia. It is currently contributing to a rise in cases and hospitalisations, particularly among older and vulnerable people.
A subvariant of Omicron, NB.1.8.1, was first identified in early 2025. It is now spreading rapidly across states like Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia. In Victoria, it accounts for over 40 per cent of cases, while in WA, it’s now the most prevalent strain found in wastewater. Queensland has also reported more than 15,000 cases this year, with a significant number in those aged 65 and older.
NB.1.8.1 carries mutations that may help it spread more easily and partly evade immunity from vaccines or past infections. However, there’s no evidence it causes more severe illness than previous variants.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified it as a “Variant Under Monitoring”. This means it’s being closely tracked but not yet considered high risk.
Why are we experiencing another wave now?
At its core, a virus’s one goal is to replicate. Viruses like COVID mutate as they replicate from host to host to evade immunity, which is how we end up with variants and strains such as Alpha, Beta, Delta and Omicron.
According to Professor Nathan Bartlett, a Virologist with the Hunter Medical Research Institute, “The primary of our lineage in Australia this year has been based on XBB (Omicron)… it seems the virus has settled on Omicron as being the subtypes that provides it with optimal conditions to get into your cells and to replicate, but also has the ability to still evade immunity through mutation.”
Professor Bartlett says that the spike in cases is not the result of socialising, or Australians just going about life as normal, but rather the drop off in booster rates.
What vaccines are available?
“People are not going for their boosters as much as what they might have done a couple of years ago. This is coinciding with a time where variants of the virus are mutating to be immune evasive, which gives the virus an edge.”
As of May 2025, the COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia include the Comirnaty (Pfizer) JN.1 vaccine and updated formulations targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant.
These vaccines are designed to better match the currently circulating strains and are available to anyone aged 5 and over.
They can also be safely given alongside other routine immunisations. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends that all adults receive a COVID-19 booster every 12 months to maintain protection against severe illness. Especially as new variants like NB.1.8.1 emerge.
For those at higher risk, such as adults aged 75 and older or residents of aged care facilities, a booster is recommended every six months. D
espite a noticeable drop in uptake, public health authorities continue to stress the importance of staying up to date with COVID vaccinations, particularly heading into winter when respiratory illnesses tend to spike. Vaccinations remain free and are recorded in the Australian Immunisation Register.
For more detailed information and to check your eligibility, refer to the ATAGI statement on the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in 2025.
How to protect yourself from COVID
To protect yourself and others, consider the following measures:
- Vaccination: Ensure you are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses, particularly if you are in a high-risk category.
- Hygiene Practices: Maintain regular handwashing, use hand sanitiser, and practice respiratory etiquette (e.g., covering coughs and sneezes).
- Mask Usage: Wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces, especially if you are at higher risk or during periods of increased transmission.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of local health advisories and guidelines, as recommendations may change based on emerging data.
By adhering to these precautions, you can help reduce the spread of COVID variants and protect vulnerable members of the community.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, symptoms, or treatment.
