Logan doctors are urging residents to prepare for the upcoming flu season as “vaccine fatigue” plagues the post-Covid world.
There were 479 influenza-related hospitalisations at Logan Hospital between July 2023 and February 2024, and five deaths.
In comparison, there were 629 hospitalisations and three deaths at Logan Hospital between 2022 to 2023.
Metro South public health unit spokesperson Dr Anu Anuradha said influenza infection rates typically increased during the cooler months between May and October, commonly peaking in August.
“Annual vaccination should ideally occur before the onset of each influenza season,” Dr Anuradha said.
“Vaccinating from April provides protection before the peak.
“While protection is generally expected to last for the whole season, the best protection against influenza occurs within the first three to four months following vaccination.”
The state government last week extended its free vaccination program to the end of September this year.
“Annual influenza vaccination is the best way to protect against severe disease and complications from influenza,” Dr Anuradha said.
“The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends influenza vaccination for all people aged 6 months and over.
“It is also important to remember the vaccine is not immediately effective, and it generally takes 10 to 14 days to be protected.”
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Queensland chair Dr Cathryn Hester said six people were in hospital with influenza in the Metro South area last week.
Of these patients, two were aged 18 to 64 and four were aged 65.
“It’s fortunate that, at least as of Tuesday, there were no young children from the Logan area in hospital,” Dr Hester said.
“But we saw an increase in infections among in children under five during last year’s flu season, and also a drop in vaccination.
“It’s been called vaccine fatigue, but it’s also very easy to get a flu vaccine in Queensland this year.
“Everyone in Queensland is eligible for a free vaccine until September, so there’s no reason not to do it.
“Vaccination can save a life and reduce the impact of flu on your life and health – that’s doubly true for children under five.”
Queensland’s plummeting vaccination rates and alarming hospitalisation-levels have prompted major concern among government officials.
The latest Queensland Health data shows, as of 25 March, there have been more than 700 people hospitalised this year due to serious illness from influenza.
“These hospitalisations are concerning given we are still a few months off from the peak flu season,” Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said.
Health minister and Waterford member Shannon Fentiman said there were 11 deaths and more than 7000 reported cases of influenza so far this year.
“83 Queenslanders are currently in hospital due to influenza,” she said.
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