Concerns are growing over a significant decline in flu vaccination rates in Australia, which could potentially lead to increased hospitalisations and fatalities this winter. As new stocks of the flu vaccine are distributed across Australian pharmacies and clinics, experts are alarmed by the situation, particularly in light of a severe flu season recently experienced in the United States.
This past season in the US has been described as a “quad-demic,” with a rise in cases of influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus. Professor Paul Griffin from the University of Queensland expressed his worries, highlighting that if preventive measures are not implemented, Australia may face a winter filled with widespread infections.
Recent data indicates that vaccination rates have plunged alarmingly. In children under five, the uptake has decreased almost 20% over four years, dropping from 45% to just 26%. Those aged 65 and over have also seen a notable drop of 9% in the last two years, with vaccination rates falling from 69.7% to 60.5%. Australia’s chief medical officer has conveyed deep concerns regarding this decline, particularly suggesting that a sense of complacency has emerged following extensive public health measures aimed at curbing COVID-19 transmission.
To combat these trends, the current flu vaccine has been reformulated to enhance protection against the latest circulating H3N2 strains. Experts assure that this updated vaccine is designed to elicit a strong immune response to better safeguard the population.
Pharmacist Tony Soffer noted that the timing of the flu season remains uncertain—indicating it could either arrive early or late this year. Last year, flu-related deaths in Australia surged by 67%, raising alarms about what is to come if vaccination rates continue to fall.
In response to these challenges, Queensland and Western Australia have initiated programs to provide free flu vaccinations to anyone over six months old. Additionally, those classified as high-risk can obtain the vaccine under the National Immunisation Program, typically introduced in April.
Overall, health officials urge the public to take proactive steps in securing their flu vaccinations to mitigate the risk of severe outcomes during the winter months.