Falling influenza vaccinations due to vaccine fatigue and misinformation, combined with the risk of a horror flu season like the one experienced in the Northern Hemisphere, could result in more lives lost from flu and other respiratory diseases this year.

Australian Medical Association President Dr Danielle McMullen said there had been a fall in the number of flu vaccines in Australia, with data showing a drop in flu vaccines last year compared to the previous year.

“We know there’s some vaccine fatigue out there following the pandemic, and some wildly misleading and damaging information on social media, and this is leading to fewer people getting their shots,” Dr McMullen said.

“I can’t be too blunt about this: thousands of people die each year from respiratory disease including flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Older people, the elderly and immunocompromised people; and babies, young children and pregnant women with underlying medical conditions; are particularly vulnerable to some of these respiratory viruses.

“People should get their flu shot each year well before June, when the flu season starts. This is also good time to think about a COVID-19 booster, particularly if you are aged over 65 or at higher risk of severe COVID-19.

“The best protection from flu is about three to four months after having your shot, which means people should get their vaccination around April or May.

“People need to start booking appointments now with their GPs, who are trained to ensure that people, including vulnerable cohorts, such as the elderly and children, receive their vaccinations in a safe and timely manner.”

Dr McMullen warned there was potential for a horror flu season in Australia following a severe season in the Northern Hemisphere.  

“Countries like the United States had a very severe influenza season, with the Centre for Disease Control estimating  at least 41 million illnesses, 540,000 hospitalisations, and 23,000 deaths from influenza during their season so far,” Dr McMullen said.

Dr McMullen said it was critical that people were not dissuaded from getting their flu or other shots because of misinformation about vaccines spread on social media, vaccine hesitancy or complacency.

“If people have any concerns, they should speak to their GP who can spend time with them and answer questions,” she said.

The Australian Government recommends everyone over the age of six months has an influenza shot every year. Flu is the most common illness that can be prevented with a vaccine.

Information about the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines, including who should get vaccines, can be found on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website.

The influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over; children aged 6 months to under 5 years; pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy; people aged 65 years or over, and people aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease.

Media Release: Australian Medical Association