- Latest statistics in quarter one in 2024 from the Australian Government Department of Health – National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS) had 24,019 laboratory confirmed reportable influenza cases compared to 18,583 cases for the same time in 2023. This is an increase of 29.25%.1 To help combat low vaccination rates, the IC is hosting free influenza vaccination clinics next month in April to coincide with World Immunisation Week to be held in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
- The IC is reminding Australians not to underestimate Influenza this season and is launching a national awareness campaign, “Now is the time for your Influenza Vaccination – Act Today”.
Australia could be facing another early severe influenza season in 2024. The Immunisation Coalition is concerned that Australians may be unprotected, putting themselves at risk, as well as those around them. Those at highest risk of serious complications from influenza are children under 5 years, pregnant women, older Australians, Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people, and those with underlying health conditions. The National Immunisation Program (NIP) is free for all of those groups and will be available later next month.2
Dr Leanne Jones, Immunisation Coalition Board Member said, “it is time for Australians to arrange their annual influenza vaccination. ATAGI recommends all Australians over 6 months have annual vaccination. Infants under 5 years are a particular group that are often under vaccinated for influenza but are more likely to be hospitalized so vaccination is free for this group. Influenza vaccination is also free for pregnant women which covers mum, foetus and the newborn under 6 months so 3 are covered in one dose”.2
As of 18 March 2024, national influenza statistics suggest we could be facing our second consecutive early influenza season.3
The Immunisation Coalition CEO, Dr Andrew Minton, expressed that the recent statistics are concerning. He says “the influenza season is in its early stages but the number of infections has increased compared to the same time last year. 2023 saw 289,000 cases which was just short of pre-COVID 2019 levels of 314,000 cases. Population immunity is still recovering from the pandemic but influenza infection remains high and a serious disease. Children and high risk populations, particularly the elderly are most at risk. The best way to protect yourself, your family and the community is to get vaccinated, and as April approaches it’s now timely to book yourself in for your annual influenza vaccination at your local GP clinic or pharmacy”.
As a Registered Nurse, “the influenza season puts an enormous strain on our national healthcare system. Vaccination against influenza will significantly reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation around the country. If someone is unlucky enough to get infected, antiviral medications are available and are effective if taken within 48 hours of symptoms. It is wise to speak to your GP, Pharmacist or Immunisation Practitioner ” said Elizabeth Miller, Deputy CEO of the Immunisation Coalition.
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has provided advice on the upcoming influenza season from ATAGI , who noted “annual vaccination is the most important way to prevent influenza and its complications”.4
The Immunisation Coalition urges all Australians that now is the best time to get your influenza vaccination in preparation for the upcoming influenza season.
References
- Australian Government Department of Health, National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, February 2024. https://nindss.health.gov.au/pbi-dashboard/
- Australian Government Department Health and Aged Care, National Immunisation Program https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/when-to-get-vaccinated/national-immunisation-program-schedule
- Influenza Statistics. Immunisation Coalition. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.immunisationcoalition.org.au/news-data/influenza-statistics/
- Australian Government Department Health and Aged Care, ATAGI statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2024, 29 February 2024,
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/atagi-statement-on-the-administration-of-se
asonal-influenza-vaccines-in-2024?language=en