After two years of confinement and social distancing, the flu has returned with revenge.
Laboratory-confirmed flu cases were among the worst rates recorded in 2017, resulting in 29,000 hospital admissions and 745 deaths across Australia.
When the pandemic hit, the flu almost disappeared as better hygiene measures were taken and confinements limited population movements.
But now lowering COVID restrictions means people are out and this has led to an increase in flu cases.
Health authorities are now calling on Australians to be vaccinated against the flu to ease growing pressure on hospitals.
And in a move to encourage people to do so, the vaccine is now offered for free. But its availability differs between states and territories.
Who offers the free jab?
New South Wales will offer “one-month-long” free flu shots from 1 June to 30 June for anyone over the age of six months.
Previously, vaccines were available for free only to certain high-risk groups, but Health Chief Kerry Chant said authorities were concerned about the sharp rise in infections.
“We urge all people over the age of six months to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones, as the virus spreads easily and is potentially deadly,” said Dr. Chant. .
Dr. Chant says this virus is easily transmitted. (AAP: Bianca De Marchi)
Queensland residents over the age of six can receive free flu shots until June 30th.
The decision was announced last week after an early and sharp rise in influenza A was detected across the state.
Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said she had taken the “unprecedented” decision to protect people amid low rates of immunity.
“We are seeing the impacts on our hospitals and if we don’t get a community vaccinated with the flu vaccine, we will see an increasing number in our hospitals,” he said.
Prime Minister Palaszczuk says the state will face a growing number if no action is taken. (AAP: Jono Searle)
Western Australians over the age of six months can receive a free flu shot from 1 June to 30 June.
The WA Department of Health’s “Free Jab June” initiative was announced by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson on May 29th.
“We are already making vaccines free for our most vulnerable, but by extending this program throughout June we are making the flu vaccine easier for everyone to access,” he said.
WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson says the blow is now accessible to everyone. (ABC News: Jessica Warriner)
All South Australians over the age of six months can be vaccinated against the flu for free until 30 June.
In a statement, SA Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas said free vaccines will be available in a program that will cost the state nearly $ 5 million.
“We need to do everything we can to ensure that as many South Australians as possible are immunized against VOCID and the flu to ease the pressure on our hospitals,” he said.
Previously, in SA, only certain groups of people, such as young children and those with medical risk factors, were eligible for free influenza vaccines.
However, due to the unique circumstances, SA will make flu vaccines free for all residents until June 30th.
Prime Minister Malinauskas says vaccination will help ease pressure on state hospitals. (ABC News: Che Chorley)
Last week, 171,000 Tasmanians were vaccinated against the flu, and the vaccine is free for anyone five years of age or older, but only at the community’s flu vaccination and VOCID clinics.
The state government hopes that people who come to receive a free flu shot will also be up to date with a COVID vaccine, as both are available at the same appointment.
Victoria, Northern Territory and ACT
As it stands, the situation is different – or evolving – in Victoria, the Northern Territory and the ACT.
The Andrews government has not yet announced a flu-free vaccination plan, but there are strong indications that this program could be revealed soon.
The Victorian branch of the Medical Association of Australia says it has been in talks with the Victorian government over the past week on a statewide program.
WADA Victorian President Roderick McCrae said he would put more pressure on the government if it did not announce a plan by mid-week.
“I’ve been arguing with the government about all the planning steps for most of a week and I think it’s a reasonable length and it’s really up to the government to determine when they want to make their announcement, but I’d expect it to be sooner rather than later. late, “Dr. McCrae said.
The Victorian government has not yet announced a free flu vaccination plan. (ABC News)
However, in ACT and the Northern Territory you can only get a free flu shot if you are part of a vulnerable group.
In the ACT, this means it is limited to children between the ages of six months and five years, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over six months and people over six months with underlying medical conditions.
And in the Northern Territory, it’s free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, vulnerable people and young children.
But NT Australian Medical Association President Rob Parker said the territory should try to follow the example of other regions and offer free flu shots to residents.
“Making it free for everyone would encourage more people, so it would be best [to do]”He said.
GPs, clinics or pharmacies? Where can I get a flu shot for free?
NSW Health urges people to book GPs and pharmacies to get the jab.
Pharmacies can now provide the vaccine to children from the age of five, so families can be vaccinated together.
The President of the Australian Medical Association of NSW, Dr Michael Bonning, called for people to be respectful of their GPs and practice staff during the transition to the free flu vaccination program.
“There are likely to be a lot of respiratory viruses circulating this winter, and we encourage people to make sure they are vaccinated against the flu and the COVID booster vaccine,” he said.
In Queensland, you can get the jab at a pharmacy or GP (the GP may charge you for the appointment).
Reservations for the free vaccine can be made through pharmacists and GPs.
While there was some initial concern about whether there would be enough doses to circulate, Queensland Australia Pharmacy Guild President Chris Owen said there is now a steady stock.
“Right now we have a lot of stock, and wholesalers also have stock,” he said.
“With the announcement of other flu-free states joining [vaccine] programs, the long-term outlook is not so sure.
“In the long run we don’t know where things are going to end up,” he said.
In Western Australia, you can get the free flu shot at participating community pharmacies and state-run vaccination clinics.
Other providers, such as participating general practitioners, will also be able to offer free flu shots.
Information on the locations offering the free flu shot during June 2022 is available at rollupforwa.com.au
In South Australia, the free vaccination program has been welcomed by state GPs.
Coalition President Immunization and Adelaide General Practitioner Rod Pearce said “everyone benefits from a flu shot.”
Free vaccines will be available at pharmacies and GPs.
Children between the ages of five and nine can also be vaccinated at a pharmacy.
Tasmanians can get free vaccines through a GP and at some local council clinics and pharmacies. You can see the list of clinics and schedules here.
Outside of these clinics, the flu shot is free at GP clinics and pharmacies for: Children between the ages of six months and five years; All adults 65 and older; Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy); Aboriginal and islanders of the Torres Strait from the age of six months; All people over the age of six months with chronic illnesses.
People in other groups who do not want to go to a vaccination clinic will have to pay.