Free flu vaccines for SA amid fears of horrific influenza season

After two years without a flu threat, SA is staring down a horrific influenza season — and now the government is making a state-first emergency measure.

South Australians will have access to free influenza jabs from Sunday as part of a state government move to ease the strain on bulging hospitals.

Premier Peter Malinauskas has announced flu vaccines will be available for no charge until June 30. It is the first time flu shots have been free in SA.

The state’s leading medicos have welcomed the move but urged people to be patient as doctors and pharmacists stock up on vaccines.

Australian Medical Association state president Dr Chris Moy.

Doctors fear SA faces a “perfect storm” of Covid-19 and influenza this winter as flu numbers soar for the first time in three years on the back of an easing of social distancing restrictions.

Flu rates of children, teenagers and young adults are of special concern. Experts fear the lack of exposure to flu for two years will leave the community unusually vulnerable.

Queensland and New South Wales are already offering free flu jabs and pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the Federal Government to foot the bill.

Mr Malinauskas says for now the free jabs, to cost $4.9 million to administer in SA, will be funded via a subsidy scheme for South Australian GPs and pharmacists.

“We must do everything we can to ensure as many South Australians as possible are immunised against both Covid and influenza to ease pressure on our hospitals,” he said.

“The dual challenge of broad community spread of Covid-19 and influenza at the same time during winter threatens to put further pressure on a hospital system already facing significant demand.”

Liberal health spokesman Ashton Hurn criticised the government’s “unco-ordinated” response.

“We called on the government to make vaccines free and we’re delighted they’ve agreed with our plan, but they also need to make vaccines accessible which is why we are urging Peter Malinauskas to listen once more and utilise Covid vaccination clinics for the roll out,” he said.

“Winter is just days away and we still don’t have a winter demand plan from Labor. One minute elective surgery is cancelled and the next Peter Malinauskas is finally agreeing to our call for free flu vaccinations.

“Labor’s health response is erratic and has been unco-ordinated.”

There have been 1195 confirmed cases of influenza in SA this year, compared with 12 cases for the same period last year.

Australian Medical Association federal vice-president Dr Chris Moy said today’s announcement was significant.

“It’s an important move, not only to increase access to people who could not previously have been eligible or afforded it, but also as an important signal to all South Australians to get a flu shot as overflowing hospitals face their first true flu season in three years,” Dr Moy said.

“The flu season is often very bad after years where flu was less frequent … the pattern of this year’s flu has been different to normal in that the peak ages have been in the younger age groups, especially 15 to 24 year olds.”

Prominent Adelaide doctor Rod Pearce, who is also chair of the Immunisation Coalition, says there is anecdotal evidence showing vaccination rates have increased in states that have already implemented free rollouts.

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

“Influenza is a terrible disease in children and initial reports in Australia show admissions to hospital are more common in the under 10s … 84 per cent of kids who are admitted haven’t been vaccinated,” he said.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ SA chairman Danny Byrne urged people to be patient as doctors readied their clinics.

“Please, don’t overwhelm your GP expecting a free flu shot immediately – it will take us a few days to get organised,” he said.

“(But) we believe in the public health benefit of this free flu vaccine and will just have to dig a little bit deeper to organise extra clinics.”

Health Minister Chris Picton is calling on the 70 per cent of South Australians not yet vaccinated, to roll up their sleeves – it’s recommended children from six months of age are vaccinated.

“After years of grappling with Covid-19, we mustn’t forget that influenza can also be deadly,” he said.

“The best way to protect yourself from influenza is to get vaccinated.”