According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, there have been over 7,000 reported cases of influenza in children aged between five and nine this year, making it the most affected age group. Chief Medical Officer Anthony Lawler noted that this demographic also exhibited the highest notification rates for influenza last year while suffering from alarmingly low vaccination uptake.
The rise in influenza cases continues this year, particularly with Influenza B, which has surpassed numbers from previous years. Lawler highlighted the seriousness of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), stating that deaths associated with these viruses and COVID-19 in 2024 exceeded those in 2023. He emphasised that these viruses pose significant risks, causing severe illnesses, hospitalisations, and even fatalities among otherwise healthy children and adults.
Last year, most RSV cases were diagnosed in children under the age of four. Lawler urged that everyone from six months of age should receive an influenza vaccination annually to help combat these trends.
For those seeking vaccinations, they are available through local general practitioners, pharmacies, community health centres, Aboriginal Medical Services, and immunisation clinics. Some workplaces may also offer flu vaccinations.
Certain groups are eligible for free influenza vaccinations, including children aged six months to under five years, pregnant women, First Nations individuals six months and older, individuals aged 65 and over, and those with specific medical conditions.
As we move through the flu season, public health authorities stress the importance of vaccinations as a preventive measure against these potentially severe viral infections.