Victoria on track for one of the deadliest flu seasons on record

Hospital staffers working on the frontline will have to undergo mandatory flu vaccinations or be forced to change jobs. It comes amid a killer flu season, which has left dozens of Victorians dead — including five children.

Frontline hospital staff will be forced to have mandatory flu vaccinations or told to change jobs in the bid to battle influenza in Victoria.

Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos announced the new rule today and said workers would be vaccinated against the flu, along with a host of other diseases.

The government flagged it would work closely with hospitals and unions to carry out the new order, but it is not yet known if they are supportive of the plan.

“The flu season has hit Victoria hard but our hospitals and paramedics have done an exceptional job rising to the challenge. It should give all Victorians confidence that they’re in the very best hands,” Ms Mikakos said.

Frontline hospital workers will have to be vaccinated against the flu. Picture: iStock

“There’s no doubt about it — vaccinations are safe, effective and save lives. That’s why we’re taking action to make sure health workers and patients are protected against dangerous diseases.”

The flu shot is already free for doctors and nurses working in high-risk units including intensive care, neonatal and cancer wards.

It will become mandatory in these units and staff who object will be redeployed to other areas.

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It comes after five children were revealed to be among the 76 dead, as Victoria battles one of the deadliest flu seasons on record.

Experts are urging people to get a flu vaccination as the death toll continues to climb.

Among the tragic deaths is 13-year-old schoolgirl Crystal-Lee Wightley who passed away at home only three days after falling ill.

She was found unconscious by her mother in her bedroom in early July.

In the days before she had been perfectly happy and healthy showing how quickly the influenza can strike.

Tragically, one of the first child deaths of the season was reported in March by health authorities.

Other children lost were aged three, six and 11 years old.

Crystal-Lee Wightley, 13-year-old flu victim.

Adults are also falling victim with 10 deaths reported so far.

Traralgon dad James Day, an orderly at Latrobe Regional Hospital, was admitted to hospital on June 15, but could not be saved.

Scores of elderly have also passed away in aged-care facilities and hundreds of families have taken sick children and loved ones to emergency departments and many are still in intensive care units.

The latest figures shows 38,734 flu cases have been reported in Victoria, compared to 2953 at the same time last year — 12 times higher.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton urged people to take action.

“The best way to prevent flu is by getting vaccinated each year. It’s still not too late to get the vaccine,” he said.

“The flu virus is carried in almost invisible droplets from saliva, sneezes, coughs and runny noses. It can also live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours.

“If you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, make sure you cough or sneeze into your elbow. It’s a part of your body less likely to touch other surfaces and will help stop the spread of the flu.

“Hands are one of the top spreaders of germs and viruses. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap at regular intervals throughout the day is a quick and easy way to help stop the spread of the flu.

“And most importantly, if you are sick, the best way to avoid spreading the flu is to stay at home. Avoid going to work and other places where you may spread the infection to others.”

Experts say the flu season started particularly early this year which was “unusual” and was the reason behind the high death toll.

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By the same time in 2017 — the official worst year on record — there had been two thirds less deaths but many more patients being sent to intensive care.

Monash Professor of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology said it was shaping up to be nasty year but said health authorities will not know until the end of the season in October.

“We are only at the end of July and it starts picking up right now so we still do think its worth people getting vaccinated.”

He also encouraged parents with children under 5 to take up the free vaccine available.

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