Media release: Long Covid affects thousands - Government response inadequate

The Government needs to develop and implement a Long Covid strategy as mounting evidence shows the human and economic cost of inaction say public health experts.

In the latest Briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre, epidemiologists examine the substantial and evolving evidence on Long Covid to assess the risk and necessary prevention and management response.

Massey University’s Centre for Public Health Research Professor John Potter says the risk of Long Covid following an Omicron infection depends on the severity of the initial illness and vaccination status but remains around 10%. 

“Essentially every organ in our bodies can be involved in clinical Long Covid, and it can impact people of all ages, sex, and ethnicities. It reduces quality of life and can cause loss of ability to work and, in some cases, severe disability. This is a large burden of illness for our communities, healthcare system and the economy,” says Professor Potter.

Estimates suggest between 65 million and 400 million people worldwide have Long Covid. “If just 5% of our population suffer from Long Covid that would be around 250,000 people in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Co-author Assoc Prof Amanda Kvalsvig from the University of Otago says NZ children are highly exposed to Covid-19. “We know that infection and reinfection, even when mild, is linked to cell and organ damage that may harm their future health. More needs to be done to protect our children, and the first step is ensuring that our schools are safe.”

The NZ Government's response to Long Covid has been inadequate, according to co-author, University of Otago’s Prof Michael Baker.

“We have all the tools we need to protect people against Long Covid, including using proven public health measures to reduce exposure to the virus when indoors and regular vaccination to reduce progression to Long Covid.”

“The critical need is government leadership, with a coordinated, evidence-informed strategy that is resourced and implemented. This response would have many benefits including preventing other respiratory infections, improving our pandemic preparedness, protecting health, and maintaining productivity."