Australia is experiencing an unusually early and severe flu season, with recent data showing a striking 40 per cent increase in cases this April compared to the same month last year. Specifically, there have been 62,548 confirmed cases so far, up from 44,323 in 2022.
Among the states, New South Wales (NSW) has reported over 24,000 cases, followed by Queensland with 14,700 and Victoria with 12,000. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has had the fewest cases, with just 700 recorded.
Despite the surging case numbers, there is a silver lining as the uptake of flu vaccinations has also risen. Nearly 1.6 million Australians have received their flu shots this year, marking an 18 per cent increase from 2022. Vaccination rates among children under five have climbed by 10 per cent, while those aged over 65 have seen a significant 25 per cent increase.
People can conveniently access flu vaccinations through local pharmacists and general practitioners. In NSW, children aged six months to five years, along with seniors over 65, Indigenous Australians, pregnant women, and individuals with serious health conditions, can receive their vaccinations for free.
NSW’s Acting Premier Prue Car has encouraged residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date, especially with the peak of the winter flu season approaching. She emphasised the importance of vaccination for vulnerable groups and urged individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu virus.
With only one in four children under five in NSW getting vaccinated this year despite the eligibility for free vaccinations, there is a clear call for improved participation in vaccination programs. As the flu season intensifies, health experts continue to advocate for increased vaccination to safeguard public health.