Latest insights

Do I need a flu vaccine in 2023? 

With spiraling flu cases pointing to an early start to the 2023 Australian flu season, children are once again proving to be particularly vulnerable. Latest data from the Department of Health and Ageing shows there have been more than 100 times the number of flu cases so far in 2023 than in the first two months of 2022.

In 2022 we saw a resurgence of flu virus circulation in Australia, arising from the reopening of international borders. Seasonal influenza activity expected to continue this year with increased international and domestic travel expected amidst a fourth year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given Australian influenza epidemics are typically sparked by returned overseas travellers, reviewing the Northern Hemisphere flu season often provides a glimpse into what Australia can expect for the season ahead.

Professor Ian Barr, Deputy Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza at the Doherty Institute, told newsGP the Northern Hemisphere has experienced an early flu season.

‘It’s similar to what we saw in our flu season in 2022,’ he said. ‘Normally our peak is August, but last year it was in late May and early June then tailed out quickly. The US is seeing something similar.’

Professor Barr says if the Northern Hemisphere has a rebound flu season, cases in Australia might once again spike earlier than usual.

Vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications

The highest level of protection occurs in the first 3 to 4 months after vaccination. Vaccination from mid-April onwards is likely to result in peak immunity during the influenza season.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has advised the flu vaccine can be given on the same day as any COVID-19 vaccine. Given this, Australians may consider getting both the flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster at the same time to further protect themselves and the community.

More information from the ATAGI advice on seasonal influenza vaccines can be found here.

 

The 2023 seasonal flu vaccine is now available at all Our Medical locations for patients aged 5-64*

Free Flu Vaccines are available for Our Medical Rewards Program Members (aged 5-64) and their registered family members. The Rewards Program is available at Penrith, Crows Nest, Gregory Hills, Dee Why, Williams Landing, Caroline Springs, Loganholme and Cranbourne.

Visit your nearest Our Medical location for more information on the available flu vaccines. 

 

*Government vaccines for children aged 6 months-5 years and those aged 65+ are also available. If you have a chronic illness, you may also eligible for the free Government flu vaccination, please discuss this with your GP. Non-Medicare card holders will need to pay a private fee for the GP consultation.
 

source: RACGP - Chance of early flu season in 2023