Flu cases see big increase in NT as health experts urge for vaccinations

Influenza cases in the Territory are more than 12 times higher than the same period last year. Here’s what health experts say is behind the jump.

Flu cases in the Territory are more than 12 times higher than they were this time last year.

The latest NT Health data shows there have been 1119 cases, compared to just 90 cases during the same period last year.

The new season has seen 181 patients admitted to hospital with influenza and four deaths.

That compares to 26 hospitalised and no deaths at the same point last year.

“The difference in cases between 2022 and 2023 is attributable in part to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, such as mandatory isolation and limits on travel,” an NT Health spokesman said.

Flu cases are more than 12 times higher this year compared to the same period last year, the latest NT Health data shows.

Most cases have been recorded in the Greater Darwin and Top End region, as well as the East Arnhem region.

“All Territorians aged six months and over are encouraged to get the flu vaccine to reduce their risk of serious illness and hospitalisations,” the spokesman said.

“The flu vaccine is available in the NT at participating GP clinics, pharmacies, respiratory clinics and Aboriginal health clinics.”

Vaccinations are recommended between April and June, as the Territory heads towards its ‘winter’ where cases typically peak.

Among those eligible to get a free vaccine are anyone aged 65 and over, children between six months and five-years-old, all Indigenous people aged over six months and pregnant women.

National immunisation data shows less than 15 per cent of Territorians aged over 65 years have had the flu vaccine this year.

It is by far the lowest immunisation rate across Australia, with Western Australia second at 24 per cent and all other Australian jurisdictions over 30 per cent.

Only 1.6 per cent for children aged between five and 15 in the Territory have had the flu vaccine this year.