Geelong doctors brace for flu season, urge community to get vaccinated

Geelong’s flu and Covid cases are set to climb and doctors say its crucial that residents get their jabs.

Barwon South West public health unit director Professor Eugene Athan.

Geelong doctors are bracing for a rise in Covid and flu cases and urging the community to get vaccinated.

Greater Geelong had recorded 62 confirmed influenza cases so far this year, compared to just one over the same period in 2022, health department data showed on Thursday.

After just five confirmed cases in 2021, the region recorded 1514 in 2022, the figures reveal.

Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said flu and Covid-19 cases were expected to rise across the community during autumn and winter.

“With the pandemic causing unpredictable changes in influenza patterns, the northern hemisphere usually provides insight on the months ahead,” Professor Athan said.

“The northern hemisphere has experienced an early flu season.”

Prof Athan said flu vaccinations were expected to begin after Easter.

“Flu vaccinations can be administered at the same time as a Covid-19 vaccinations, making April a good time to receive your booster and flu vaccination,” he said.

Local GP and Western Victoria Primary Health Network clinical spokeswoman Anne Stephenson said after lower numbers of influenza infections in 2020 and 2021, cases of flu increased significantly in 2022 and were expected to continue in 2023.

“Vaccination is a key measure to reduce illness from the different forms of influenza virus which circulate through the community and is recommended for everyone aged six months or more,” Dr Stephenson said.

She said publicly funded seasonal vaccination was generally available free of charge to vulnerable people.

“Ideally, to maximise their level of protection, people should get their flu vaccination

anytime from mid-April onwards,” Dr Stephenson said.

“Flu season generally coincides with cold weather and peaks from June to September.

“People should remember that it is possible to experience infection by both Covid-19 and the flu at the same time.”

Dr Stephenson said parents of children under nine, who receive their flu shots for the first time, should consider that two doses were required a month apart.

Prof Athan encouraged locals to get their flu vaccination from either their GP or local pharmacy.

He saidflu vaccine bookings would also be available through Barwon Health’simmunisation program.

Originally published as Geelong doctors brace for flu season, urge community to get vaccinated