25 COVID-19 Deaths Reported in Aged Care Over a Week

Australian aged care homes reported 25 COVID-19 deaths in the week ending July 10.

This marks a slight increase from 23 deaths in the previous week and follows 27 deaths the week before that.

According to the latest figures from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, there are currently 1,597 active COVID-19 cases across 241 residential aged care facilities (pdf). Of these, 1,159 infections are in residents and 438 in staff members.

New South Wales remains the most affected state, with 86 homes reporting outbreaks.

Victoria follows with 70, then Queensland with 31, Western Australia with 25, and South Australia with 24.

The spread of the virus across facilities highlights the continued vulnerability of aged care residents despite declining overall case fatality rates of COVID-positive cases—from 33 percent in 2020 to 3.3 percent in 2022 and 1.5 percent in 2025.

Since the onset of the Omicron wave in mid-December 2021, aged care homes have reported a total of 216,172 deaths from all causes, with COVID-19 responsible for 3 percent of them.

Data covering  Jan. 1 to June 20, 2025, shows COVID-19 was the cause of death in 0.8 percent of all permanent resident deaths in aged care.

While mortality rates are improving, excess deaths in aged care were recorded above expected levels during the first half of 2022. Figures for the second half of that year are yet to be finalised.

Vaccination Urged for Seniors

The government has reiterated calls for eligible Australians to get vaccinated ahead of winter. Under the 2025 program, those aged 75 and older are advised to get a COVID-19 booster every six months.

People aged 65 and over and adults with severe immunocompromise are encouraged to get annual doses, or more frequently, depending on individual risk factors.

All other adults are eligible for one dose this year.

The recommendations were issued by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation on March 27, 2025.

As of July 2, 72.6 percent of aged care residents received their booster shot in the last year.

Health Minister Mark Butler said it was important to stay up to date with vaccines.

“Vaccination is the best way to prevent severe illness or death from COVID-19 and influenza. Five years on, COVID continues to impact the health and wellbeing of our community,” he said.

He added that COVID-19 vaccines remain free for all adults and eligible children and can be administered alongside flu shots.

“Anyone eligible should visit their GP or pharmacy to get vaccinated,” he said.