It’s peak flu season but about 540,000 fewer Australians have had a flu shot compared to this time last year at the time of writing.
A National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) survey was conducted to find out why people were choosing not to get an influenza jab.
The research identified the main reasons for not vaccinating against flu were that they didn’t think influenza was serious, the vaccine would give them the flu, or it wouldn’t work.
Experts also believe that vaccine fatigue after COVID and cost of living pressures have also played a role.
Queensland passed a milestone recently with more people in hospitals with influenza than with COVID. Furthermore, 80% of hospital admissions for flu are for patients who’ve not been vaccinated, ranging from children to older people.
Doctors are encouraging patients to get the flu vaccine as it reduces the severity of flu and protects people from pneumonia and other illnesses.
Further information
Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report
Qld Health acute respiratory infection surveillance reporting
