Pharmacy Daily | Flu season already off and running

CSL Seqirus has announced it has released over seven million influenza vaccine doses to help prepare for a "potentially challenging" flu season (PD 27 Mar).

So far this year, there have already been over 46,300 lab-confirmed cases recorded in the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.

This is the most ever recorded for this time of year and more than 50% higher than the previous record of approximately 30,000 cases documented from Jan to Mar last year.

Modelling suggests the true burden of flu may be even higher than reported.

Peter Guthrey, Senior Pharmacist with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), said the availability of flu vaccines is welcome news, especially with the late-season peak in cases recently seen in the Northern Hemisphere.

"Lots of people in the US and UK have been sick with flu and this has continued late into their flu season," he said.

"Influenza can spread around the world rapidly through international travel, so Australians need to be ready for the potential of a big flu season here."

PSA National President A/Prof Fei Sim said now is the time for Australians to roll up their sleeves.

"The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is by getting vaccinated before the peak of the flu season," A/Prof Sim said.

"We have seen time and again the serious consequences of underestimating the flu, particularly for vulnerable Australians including older adults, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions."

The flu vaccine is recommended for all Australians over six months of age.

Higher risk groups have access to free flu vaccinations, including children under five, adults over 65, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.

Queensland and Western Australia offer state-funded influenza vaccinations for all residents. KB