Immunisation Coalition urging NT government to offer free flu jabs to all residents

As the Territory deals with the worst flu season in several years, vaccine experts are calling for the flu shot to be free to all residents.

A LEADING immunisation advocacy group is calling for the NT to “follow in line with other states” and provide a free flu vaccine to all residents.

Immunisation Coalition chief executive Kim Sampson said the time was now for both the NT and ACT to adopt free vaccinations for all Australians.

“We’ve got to make that a strong message to the Territories in Australia; please follow in line with the states and provide free influenza vaccines and do it until the end of July.” he said.

Kim Sampson CEO Immunisation Coalition. Picture: Supplied

Mr Sampson said the coalition was urging the whole country to extend their flu vaccination program to reduce the severity and burden on the health system.

“We are already seeing the number of deaths from influenza and we’re seeing significant hospitalisations and what we want to do is reduce the impact on the health system — We know that vaccination as a preventative measure does that,” he said.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said there was no plan to extend free flu vaccines to all residents, with the priority being on children and vulnerable populations.

“It’s important for all Territorians to understand the importance of vaccinating their children, who are one of the least vaccinated demographics,” she said,

“120,000 Territorians are eligible for a free flu vaccine, including pregnant people, our seniors aged over 65, and our children aged 6 months to 5 years.

“The Territory Labor Government will be making the most of the valuable resources available at the Marrara Vaccination clinic, by protecting some of the community’s most vulnerable from this year’s flu.”

This flu season in the Territory there has already been more than 3800 infections, with 51,450 Territorians having the jab.

Speaking from a communicable diseases and immunisation conference in Sydney, Mr Sampson said the evidence showed prioritising vaccines

“Evidence shows it reduces the health cost. Australia is very good at measuring costs but they’re not very good at measuring benefits of the vaccines,” he said.

The Immunisation Coalition is also pressing for a nationwide working group involving the coalition, departments of health and all ststaes and territories to be prepared for flu seasons going foward.