‘Not very effective’: AMA vice president shares Omicron mask warning

With Omicron sweeping through the community, the vice president of the Australian Medical Association has urged people not to overestimate the efficacy of their masks.

Dr Chris Moy warned cloth masks appear to be “not very effective at all” at protecting against Omicron infection.

“Even the surgical masks … are not as effective,” he told Tony Jones, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

Dr Moy says the masks that “really can keep it out” are N95 or P2 masks, but only when they’re properly fitted.

With so many becoming infected with COVID-19 before receiving their booster vaccine, Dr Moy also shared the best time to get a third dose of vaccine after having the virus.

While people are eligible to receive a booster dose once they’ve recovered from COVID-19 symptoms, Dr Moy says it’s better to delay the dose slightly.

“You’re probably going to get some immunity after you have the infection but that will run out at some stage or drop down,” he said.

“To get the best bang for your buck … somewhere in the order of about two or three months after you’ve actually recovered is probably a good time.”

Press PLAY below to hear Dr Moy on vaccinations, the burden on general practices + masks