Flu numbers in SA at six-year high but no word on free vaccinations

INFLUENZA cases are at a six-year high despite the lingering hot weather and are ahead of the numbers this time last year — which went on to be a horror season.

• Last year’s flu season SA easily passed other records

INFLUENZA numbers are at a six-year high in South Australia and are already up 12 per cent on last year’s horror season which killed more than 30 people.

However, the new State Government is yet to follow other states in offering free flu shots for children, after a united push by state ministers for the Federal Government to fund it stalled.

Victoria, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT will offer free flu jabs for children aged between six months and five years this season, while WA already offers the free vaccinations.

In SA, Labor had promised the free jabs for kids in a $1.5 million state election promise.

A spokesman for Health Minister Stephen Wade said he “will be seeking a briefing on the need for such a program in South Australia”.

While Adelaide swelters through a late burst of summer-like temperatures the flu bug has claimed 970 confirmed cases so far this year, 110 cases more than the same time last year which went on to record a total of 27,838 cases.

The flu season usually runs from May to September and generally peaks around July-August.

SA Health Chief Medical Officer Professor Paddy Phillips said the higher numbers do not necessarily indicate the 2018 flu season will be a cause for concern.

“The most important thing to do is to protect yourself by getting an annual flu vaccination, which should be available from GPs shortly,” Mr Phillips said.

“The annual flu vaccination is recommended for anyone six months of age or older who wishes to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza, and if you can’t get the flu, you can’t spread it to your friends, family and the rest of the community.”

The Australian Medical Association has cautioned against getting the vaccine too early as its maximum effectiveness can wane after about four months, leaving people unprotected in spring.

The association’s national president Dr Michael Gannon said: “The first and the ideal time we’re telling patients to be vaccinated is at the end of April, early May.”

The National Immunisation Program provides free flu vaccine for groups at particular risk which include:

PREGNANT women;

PEOPLE aged 65 years and older;

ABORIGINAL and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months to five years, and also aged 15 years and older;

PEOPLE aged six months and over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease.