The Northern Territory has recorded the highest number of flu cases in at least five years, putting significant pressure on a hospital system that is already in place.
Key points:
- As flu cases grow, AMA NT calls for vaccines to be free for all territories
- Chief Minister Natasha Fyles says there are no plans to change the current flu vaccination policy
- Some 41,000 territories have been vaccinated against the flu so far this year
New data released by NT Health show that 2,162 flu cases have been detected so far this year, more than double just a fortnight ago.
This year’s figures are also substantially higher than in the last two years, when the COVID-19 pandemic reduced annual flu cases to just 76 and 292, respectively.
The latest figures are also higher than in the two years before the pandemic, when 1,878 and 1,219 cases were detected in 2018 and 2019.
NT Australian Medical Association President Robert Parker said the impact of the flu was more pronounced in NT than in other jurisdictions due to high rates of chronic disease.
“The flu itself is a very difficult experience for many people, but when you have underlying health problems, especially the heart and lungs, it can make them worse and potentially lead to hospitalization,” Dr. Parker said.
Robert Parker said the large number of cases in the territory was worrisome. (ABC News: Michael Franchi)
NT Health said there had been nearly 500 submissions to emergency departments this year due to the flu.
About 140 people have been admitted to hospital in recent months, while 20 are currently being treated for the flu.
Dr. Parker said he would not be surprised if non-emergency medical services were suspended due to the current increase in flu-related hospitalizations.
“The significant number of people affected by medical complications from the flu is likely to add to this pressure and push hospitals into a‘ Yellow Code ’situation,” he said.
NT Health said it has plans to respond to the rising flu, including reconfiguring resources if necessary.
AMA NT wants free flu shots for all territories
In the NT, flu vaccines are free for people classified as vulnerable, such as the elderly, young children, Aboriginal people, and people with chronic illnesses, as well as medical staff.
While this represents about half the population of the NT, Dr. Parker said the government should follow the example of several other states and offer free shots to everyone.
“It’s almost like cutting your nose to bother your face,” he said.
“You save money on vaccines, but then the cost of your health care goes up exponentially because of all the sick people who go to the ED who need medical care.”
There have been nearly 500 submissions to NT emergency departments this year due to the flu. (ABC News: Michael Franchi)
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said there would be no change in current policy.
“To ensure that people at higher risk are prioritized, NT Health has no plans to expand access to free flu shots,” Ms. Fyles said.
The Australian Pharmacy Guild said there had been a significant increase in the number of people claiming flu shots this year.
“Last year we had pharmacies across the territory with hundreds of flu vaccines that they didn’t use, but this year demand has been high,” said NT spokeswoman Alexis Innis.
Ms Innis encouraged the territories to be vaccinated as soon as possible.
“There are some pharmacies that are open until mid-June,” he said.
“But we’re having cancellations all the time for a variety of reasons, so people can still go into pharmacies and get the flu shot right away.”
NT Health said about 41,000 territories have received a flu shot so far this year.