SA leading the nation in latest flu vaccination data

Nearly half of the state has been armed against the flu, new data reveals, trumping Victoria and NSW. Here’s why.

Influenza cases have dropped since last week as SA’s vaccination rates top the nation and authorities urge the public to use hygiene measures such as masks.

Data for the week to Tuesday shows 855 currrent cases of flu, compared with 1223 the previous seven days, and a total of 9416 for the year.

So far this year 845 people with flu have ended up in hospital.

Almost half the state’s population, or 843,000 South Australians, have rolled up their sleeve to get the flu jab, beating Victoria which has vaccinated 43 per cent of its population and NSW which has vaccinated 40 per cent.

Both Tasmania and the ACT have flu vaccination rates of 46 per cent with Queensland behind on 38 per cent vaccinated.

Since the government launched SA’s first free flu vaccination program on May 29, the state has had 233,000 more people get their flu jab.

Meanwhile, South Australians are arming themselves with the winter Covid booster. More than 32,000 eligible people have rolled their sleeves up to get the vaccine since last Monday.

It comes as SA has recorded a new high of people in hospitals with Covid.

Health Minister Chris Picton said he is proud of South Australians for leading the nation.

“While our free flu vaccination program has played a vital role in that achievement, I want to remind people they still have two weeks to take advantage of this state-first and get protected against the flu,” he said.

“There is a particular reminder for the children of young parents who our public health experts advise are at risk of more severe consequences from influenza.

“Another way you can stay out of hospital and ease the pressure on our frontline

workers is by rolling up your sleeves for a fourth Covid dose.”