ABC: A surge in influenza cases in Queensland prompts doctors to issue vaccine warning for children and vulnerable groups
Experts warn that children are increasingly more vulnerable to influenza disease this year. MVEC’s paediatric infectious disease specialist Dr Angela Berkhout explains that children, particularly those under two years of age have low levels of natural immunity to flu as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
While flu season has yet to peak, hospitals in Queensland have already experienced an influx in the number of flu patients requiring hospital admission, including intensive care. This article explores key considerations for vaccinating children, seniors over the age of 65 years and other vulnerable groups.
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For the more information on influenza vaccines and the 2022 influenza season please see our resources below:
SMH: The flu shot: when is it safe to get it after having COVID?
With flu season underway in Australia and an increasing number of cases already confirmed, people are encouraged not to delay their yearly influenza vaccine, which is recommended for anyone 6 months of age and over.
The article features MVEC’s A/Prof Nigel Crawford, who addresses the key considerations such as ideal timing for the influenza vaccination, considerations for people with underlying medical conditions, advice for parents regarding children, and when to get the influenza vaccine post COVID-19 infection.
To read the article in full, please click on the link below:
SMH: The flu shot: when is it safe to get it after having COVID?
For the more information on influenza vaccines and the 2022 influenza season please see our resources below:
The Conversation: Flu, COVID and flurona: what we can and can’t expect this winter
With international borders open and public health measures alleviated, it is highly likely that COVID-19 and influenza will be circulating simultaneously in Australian communities this coming winter.
This article addresses some probable outcomes and provides helpful tips on how people can protect themselves during this flu season.
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Flu, COVID and flurona: what we can and can’t expect this winter
ABC: Australians urged to get flu shot, with children more at risk from influenza than COVID-19
As Australia reopens its’ international borders to visa holders and fully vaccinated travellers on February 21, health authorities are preparing for the first significant influenza season in three years.
Experts warn that it's particularly important that pregnant women and children receive the influenza vaccine as they are at increased risk of experiencing severe symptoms and more likely to require medical intervention and/or hospitalisation.
University of Sydney infectious disease expert Dr Booy said “I would say the flu in young children is worse than COVID is in young children”.
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Australians urged to get flu shot, with children more at risk from influenza than COVID-19
Flu deaths prevented as cases plummet amid coronavirus lockdowns, AMA says
New data as reported by the ABC suggest that social distancing measures, reduced travel and other restrictions implemented in the COVID-19 pandemic appear to have resulted in a sharp decline in the number of influenza cases.
Dr Chris Moy of the Australian Medical Association is careful to note that we may have actually delayed an influenza outbreak, but still believes the number of influenza cases will be less as we have a far more immunised population this year.
Read more here:
ABC: Flu deaths prevented as cases plummet amid coronavirus lockdowns, AMA says
The MVEC team strongly support vaccination as a way to protect from seasonal influenza, read more in our MVEC Influenza vaccine recommendations.
Influenza vaccine and egg allergy
Based on prospective and retrospective studies of influenza vaccination in those with and without egg allergy (including egg anaphylaxis), the presence of egg allergy does not increase the risk of allergic reactions to the influenza vaccine and can be administered in a community immunisation setting, as a single dose, followed by the recommended 15 minute observation period.
For further information please see the following: