New research from the Immunisation Coalition reveals just 35 per cent of adults aged between 18 and 64 plan to get their flu shot this year.
And as the weather gets colder and coronavirus restrictions begin to ease, the state government is urging Victorians, including those in Hume and Whittlesea, to get their the jab.
Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton got his flu vaccination on Friday, April 29, to remind people that the reopening of international borders and more social mixing, the vaccination is vital.
“Victoria has seen low rates of the flu over the last two years due to closed international borders and social distancing measures to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. That also means that this winter is a really critical time to be protected with flu vaccinations,” Professor Sutton said.
“Vaccination against a highly contagious viral infection like flu is key to protecting yourself and those around you and will ensure we don’t put further pressure on our health system.”
According to the Department of Health, influenza is a seasonal infection that usually lasts from April to September that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications regardless of age.
“In a year of high influenza activity, it is estimated the flu can contribute to more than 3,300 deaths in Australia,” the department said.
The department said the flu vaccination is recommended for anyone older than six months and is free for people considered to be at higher risk from influenza.
These people include children from six months to under five years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of age, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over and people with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications.
Leading experts are also urging Australians not to underestimate the flu.
Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association president Karen Booth warned there are a number of children under five who have never been or had little exposure to the flu in the past two to three years.
“They will be at high risk of catching the virus if not vaccinated. Little kids carry big bugs and can readily pass the virus on to vulnerable family and friends,” she said.
“If you do get the flu the advice remains the same, stay at home if you’re unwell and don’t go to work or school,” Professor Sutton said.
