Health officials considering introducing ‘double jab’ of flu vaccine to combat horror season

Health officials are considering implementing a “double jab” of the flu vaccine to combat a horror season for influenza in the Far North.

• Free vaccinations for indigenous people as summer flu hits hard
• Union calls for ED to be expanded before “desperate” measures needed

HEALTH officials are considering implementing a “double jab” of the flu vaccine to combat a horror season for influenza in the Far North.

Cairns Hospital has set a target to vaccinate up to 80 per cent of its 3000 staff, to prevent influenza from spreading across the health district.

The latest figures from Queensland Health show that there has been 1538 confirmed cases of flu in the Cairns region since the start of the year, compared to the year-to-date average of 245.

RELATED: Fears nursing home outbreak a precursor for horror flu season

There has also been a record 6787 presentations to Cairns Hospital’s emergency department last month, up more than nine per cent on the previous month, with many patients seeking treatment for flu-like illnesses.

Infection control nurse Alyson Martin, who has been rolling out the hospital’s influenza vaccine program, told reporters there was a possibility a “double jab” could be introduced in the near future.

Cairns Hospital's Alfred Lui receives his flu jab from nurse Nicole Sporne. Photo: Daniel Bateman

“There is talk of looking at people in high risk categories, having two dosages,” she said.

She said, however, they followed the guidelines of Queensland’s Chief Health Officer with vaccination delivery.

“It’s a fairly robust system we have throughout the nation,” she said.

“That’s why it’s evidence-based, well-researched, and then we go ahead with the decisions from there.”

She said a majority of hospital workers had been more than willing to roll up their sleeves to receive the influenza vaccine.

“As this is a non-compulsory vaccination, we can’t make, shame or blame any staff members who refuse to have the vaccine,” she said.

“That would not be ideal HR.

STAY INFORMED: SUBSCRIBE FOR $5 A MONTH FOR FIRST THREE MONTHS

“So we encourage it, we provide evidence and education, and then we’ll sit down for anyone who is hesitant.”

The hospital, earlier this week, was forced to declare a “Code Yellow” due to a lack of resources, unable to cope with a patient influx through its emergency department.

Cairns Hospital director of nursing and midwifery Andrea O’Shea said there had been a number of staff off work, sick with the flu.

“We’ve been able to manage our staff accordingly,” she said.

“We have a large bank of staff that can come in.”

Originally published as Health officials considering introducing ‘double jab’ of flu vaccine to combat horror season