All Western Australians are now eligible for a free flu vaccine in June and with winter fast approaching, the state government is encouraging people to roll up their sleeves.
Between June 1 – 30, most West Aussies wanting a free flu vaccination can simply walk in to any state-run COVID vaccination clinic or book in at participating pharmacies and GPs.
Children under 5 years and those categorised as higher risk can access a free flu vaccine under the National Immunisation Program instead.
Vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza, and while protection is generally expected to last throughout the year, the highest level of protection occurs in the first three to four months after vaccination.
In Australia the period of peak circulation is typically June to September; however, ATAGI points out that influenza epidemiology may be atypical this year, with the pandemic resulting in reduced circulation of the virus and lower levels of vaccine coverage.
Only 600,000 doses of the influenza vaccine have been administered so far in WA, with more than 80 per cent of Western Australians still waiting to get vaccinated.
Premier Mark McGowan said that influenza can cause serious illness and with COVID still in our community it is important as many people as possible protect themselves against the flu.
“We’re still in the midst of this Omicron wave and coupled with this upcoming flu season it’s vital people take every precaution, follow the health advice, keep up mask wearing as necessary, ensure they are up to date with the COVID-19 and flu vaccines and maintain handwashing and sanitising,” Mr McGowan said.
“With the removal of borders our health experts are expecting increased flu cases, which is why we need to be vigilant, especially as we’re getting into the colder months and people are now travelling more.
“High case numbers are already being seen in the Eastern States and, as of May 26, WA had recorded 194 cases of influenza this year, with health authorities concerned we are on track for a potentially severe season,” he explained.
“After two years of very low flu cases, I would urge all Western Australians to Roll Up to protect themselves now before the worst of winter.”
The announcement last Saturday (27th May) comes in response to a call by doctors and pharmacists for free flu vaccinations for all Australians to combat the recent big increase in influenza infections and slow uptake of the vaccine this season.
Dr Tin Fei Sim, a pharmacist immuniser from Curtin Medical School, said that they are currently not seeing the same level of ‘interest’ from the public for influenza vaccine compared to the COVID jab.
“Based on history, the majority of influenza cases in Australia (and in WA) were overseas-imported cases from the Northern Hemisphere,” Dr Fei Sim said.
“The opening of our borders and overseas travelling is anticipated to increase the number of influenza cases this season.”
According to the most recent Australian Influenza Surveillance Report (fortnight ending 22 May), there have been 38,743 notifications reported this year in Australia, of which 26,193 notifications had a diagnosis date within a fortnight of reporting.
This was more than three times the numbers from the previous fortnight and from mid-April 2022, the weekly number of notifications of laboratory-confirmed influenza reported in Australia has exceeded the 5-year average.