Aussies warned to get vaccinated ahead of flu season

A doctor has issued an urgent warning to Aussies as the early figures for flu cases indicate a grim outlook for the winter ahead.

A doctor has warned Australians to get vaccinated as early flu case figures suggest a “really high peak” is due to hit this winter.

About 15,000 people have reported a flu diagnosis in the country in the last three months.

East Sydney Doctors general practitioner Dr Brad Mackay said when cases rise so high this early in the season it’s usually an indicator of a High Peak later in the year.

“What we’re finding is that instead of flu case numbers taking off about June, we’re already seeing the case numbers starting to rise,” he said on Weekend Today.

Dr Brad McKay has urged Aussies to get vaccinated. Picture: Weekend Today

“What we know is if the numbers are rising early, we often have a really High Peak.

“That’s often when we have these catastrophic flu seasons approaching.”

Last year, the flu season peaked in May – three months ahead of an average year’s peak.

However, Dr McKay warned that vaccine fatigue is high after three years of the Covid-19 pandemic and the majority of the Australians receiving at least two to three vaccines within that time frame.

“A lot of people are tired of getting the Covid vaccines, we’re trying to dish them out at the moment,” Dr McKay said.

A really High Peak of cases is likely if people don’t take preventive measures. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Flu vaccines are available in doctors surgeries and pharmacies but uptake has not been high as yet, according to Dr Mackay.

“They’ve had general practices this week as well, they’re out there, but low numbers at present.

“We are wanting people to remember to be vaccinated.”

Last year about 225,000 reported a flu diagnosis across Australia with 308 people dying as a result of contracting the virus.