Topic: Immunisation

The 2024 influenza season has begun, with activity expected to continue increasing rapidly over the next six to eight weeks.

COVID-19 activity is currently at moderate levels and expected to further increase.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity continues to be high.

Pneumonia in children has increased since December 2023 and remains elevated, particularly in children aged five to 16 years and young adults aged 17 to 34.

It is anticipated a large number of people will be infected with COVID-19, influenza and/or RSV this winter, as all three viruses will be circulating at the same time.

Please see the NSW respiratory surveillance report and media release for more information.  

How can general practitioners prepare?  

GPs are encouraged to plan ahead by: 

• promoting and encouraging COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations where appropriate. Doctors are trusted providers and your recommendations are highly valued
• seasonal influenza vaccine is also recommended for poultry workers in the context of increased circulation of avian influenza globally 
• conducting timely respiratory testing for people at higher risk of severe illness, to facilitate antiviral access where appropriate 
• facilitating antiviral treatment for: 
• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) where appropriate
• Oral COVID-19 antiviral medicines which remain accessible through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• encouraging the use of the antiviral medicine pre-assessment action plan for people who are at higher risk of severe disease from COVID-19 or influenza to support timely management of respiratory illness 

Antibiotic treatment for mycoplasma pneumoniae 

The current rise in mycoplasma pneumoniae infections has resulted in an increase in demand for antibiotic oral liquids including azithromycin and clarithromycin.

This may result in these medicines being in short supply.

The suppliers are working to expedite future shipments.

Please carefully consider the need for antibiotic treatment and if prescribing an antibiotic, consider current availability by consulting your local pharmacy.

Local pharmacies may contact you to amend current prescriptions to alternative dose formulations or antibiotics during this period. 

Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) was a hive of activity last week (Monday, 15 April) as patients, young and old, flocked to the Airds centre for their annual influenza (flu) vaccination.

In the lead up to World Immunization Week, 24 to 30 April, local NSW Public Health Unit staff visited the centre to deliver flu, pneumonia and shingles vaccinations to 150 patients, who were also treated to a cuppa, pizza from Manoosh and Co, and entry into a raffle for a fresh fruit and vegetable box.

Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Darryl Wright, praised the community for so enthusiastically turning out to get vaccinated.

“We had a strong turnout for this year’s flu clinic and we’re continuing to vaccinate each day in the medical centre,” Mr Wright said. “It’s great to know so many in our community will be protected as we head into this year’s flu season.”

Flu vaccinations began across Australia in mid-April to provide protection for the peak of the flu season, generally June to September.

Free influenza vaccines are available to eligible people under the National Immunisation Program, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and:

• children from six months to under five years of age
• people with serious health conditions (including severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease)
• pregnant women
• people who are 65 years of age and over

South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keith McDonald PhD, encouraged the wider community to also roll up their sleeves for the flu jab.

“After years of being overwhelmed with COVID-19 vaccine information it’s not surprising many people are experiencing vaccine fatigue,” he said.

“But it’s important to remember, just 15 minutes out of your day to get the jab not only protects you but protects those around you – your grandparents or a family member with an immune disorder, for example – from the effects of severe disease.”

Dr McDonald said it was important to have a flu vaccination every year because the vaccines were tailored to the different strains of flu circulating each flu season.

“And despite the common myth, flu vaccines do not cause flu,” he said. “Vaccines are a safe and effective way of protecting our community, in particular the most vulnerable in our community.”

You can book your flu shot through your doctor, pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service. Pharmacists can administer flu shots to children aged five and over. Parents with children aged under five should see their doctor.