Jessica Page: WA has the country's lowest flu vaccination rate putting the vulnerable at risk
There's something in the air — winter. And our hospitals are not ready for it. They're barely coping now.
Plenty of blame can be, and has been, shared around on that score.
And it's my turn to cop a bit.
And probably only fair that the Health Minister dish it out.
Rightly under pressure over yet another month of record ramping, Meredith Hammat insisted it is a nationwide issue and that the State Government is throwing everything at it.
She also said there is something everyone can do to help.
'The United States just experienced its worst flu season in 16 years and we've used that information to prepare for the additional demand this winter will likely bring to WA,' Ms Hammat said.
'Please, if you haven't done so already, get your free flu vaccination and protect yourself and your loved ones this winter'.
The Premier must have been listening.
Over the weekend, a photo of Roger Cook dutifully getting his jab at the local pharmacy was posted on his social media accounts with a timely reminder that the vaccine is only free in WA until the end of this month.
But it was another photo that brought me to tears and made me chastise myself for not yet booking my kids in for their jabs.
It was a photo of a two-year-old boy hooked up to a ventilator due to influenza.
His mother Hannah Elsey reported that he was previously healthy, with no medical conditions, but fell ill a couple of weeks before an appointment to get vaccinated.
'Luckily he survived and has made a full recovery, but I don't think I will ever fully recover from the trauma,' she said.
That social media post reached me all the way from Sudbury in the U.K. but it is relevant here and now, with warnings that a dire flu season in the United Kingdom and the United States is a harbinger of what is to come.
The UK Health Security Agency has reported Influenza-mortality for the 2024-25 winter of about 7,800, up 53 per cent on the previous year.
Most were people aged over 65, but the deaths of eight children aged four and under, were blamed on the flu.
It's already taking a toll in WA, as reported by vaccine advocate Catherine Hughes who knows what she's talking about — all too well.
'Today was hard,' she posted on Light for Riley, the Facebook page set up in her son's name.
'I met with a beautiful mum who, just a couple of weeks ago, unexpectedly lost her young daughter to influenza.
'Before winter even began. Her gorgeous girl is just… gone. Please, if you can protect your kids… do it!'
Too many have not.
WA's flu vaccination rates this year are the worst in the country.
Only 12.3 per cent of 0-4 year olds have been vaccinated, equal last with South Australia.
The Vics are the best of the States at 18.8 per cent. Surely we can't let them win two flags this year?
(Putting aside the territories, lest I admit the bureaucrats in the ACT have won anything.)
Even our seniors are lagging, with only 50 per cent of the over-65s vaccinated.
In a supposed cost of living crisis, surely anything that's free would generate a rush to line up longer than the fro yo queues that jam the footpath in Vic Park on a Friday night?
But it is easier said than done for two working parents to find the time.
Then when you do, one or both kids are already sick with something else and its back to waiting for a gap in the calendar.
Western Australia has a troubled history with the flu vaccine, in particular, that does warrant caution. But caution should not be mistaken for conspiracies.
Check the label, make sure you're being given the vaccine that's recommended for kids (VaxiGrip Tetra or FluQuadri) and ask your doctor if you have any questions.
I'm no doctor, so I'll leave the last word to someone who is better qualified: PCH Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist and Kids Institute researcher Chris Blyth.
'We know that vaccines are the most cost effective public health intervention that we have,' Dr Blyth said.
'We know that vaccines do save lives and we know the vaccines that are on the schedule have been demonstrated to be safe and effective.'
They're not a 100 per cent guarantee, but up to 70 per cent effective is better than naught.
'It's a moderately protective vaccine, but we know that flu can be a very severe disease and any level of protection certainly translates to people keeping out of hospital,' Dr Blyth said.
Hospital staff are counting on that.
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ABC News
12 hours ago
- ABC News
Low influenza and COVID vaccination rates spark concern as flu season kicks off
The number of Australians vaccinated against influenza is "worryingly low", health experts say, as new data reveals the winter flu season has begun. Since mid-May, flu cases have increased in most parts of the country, following a record-breaking number of infections earlier in the year that had recently plateaued. At the same time, COVID-19 infections have begun to climb, while cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have steadily increased since the start of 2025. "We had an early bump [in flu cases] that seemed to flatten out, but it really does look like the season is kicking off," Phillip Britton, an infectious diseases physician at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, said. So far, more than 109,000 cases of flu have been reported in 2025, most of which have occurred in children under 10 years. Flu vaccines are recommended from April onwards each year in time for the peak flu season, which is typically June to September. While flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and older, just a quarter of Australians have received a flu jab this year. Among children aged six months to five years, who are at increased risk of serious complications from influenza, only 15.9 per cent are immunised. "That really is concerning," Dr Britton said. "We've already had a small number of children with very severe influenza in intensive care, and we're expecting now … that those cases are going to become more frequent." Current flu vaccine coverage in children, although similar to rates this time last year, is less than half of what it was five years ago. Vaccine uptake is also lagging in other at-risk groups, Australian Medical Association president Danielle McMullen said. Just over half of Australians over 65 have received a flu jab this year. "We are particularly concerned by vaccination rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, which have declined across all age groups," she said. Each year, on average, seasonal flu results in 3,500 deaths and 18,000 hospitalisations. Dr McMullen said a reduction in COVID-19 booster rates this year compared to last year was also "alarming". In the past six months, just 26.2 per cent of people aged 75 and older have received a COVID-19 booster, down from 39.9 per cent this time last year. While the risk of dying from COVID-19 is now much lower than it was at the beginning of the pandemic, it still poses a significant risk to older Australians, and remains the leading cause of death from acute respiratory infection. "New COVID-19 strains continue to circulate leading to increased hospitalisations, making regular boosters essential for maintaining protection against severe illness," Dr McMullen said. Mater Health infectious diseases physician Paul Griffin said the new NB.1.8.1 COVID variant appeared to be "more infectious and a little bit immune evasive", and may explain the recent uptick in COVID cases. "That's what we've seen in a few countries already, and looks to be, whilst early days, what is potentially happening here," Professor Griffin said. "The concerning thing is the overlap with the other viruses — flu and RSV — which is a very significant burden of respiratory infections for us to have to manage." While some people consciously choose not to get themselves or their children vaccinated, research shows the most common barriers to flu vaccination that parents report include feeling distressed when thinking about vaccinating their child, as well as barriers related to access and cost. Dr Britton said he believed a combination of vaccine fatigue "coming out of the pandemic" and complacency over the flu also meant many parents weren't taking up the opportunity. "That might be the case for some people, but as a doctor who works in a hospital, it is tragic to see children end up in intensive care … with a preventable infection." Yesterday, the federal government revealed plans to tackle declining childhood vaccination rates with the launch of a new immunisation plan. The National Immunisation Strategy sets a goal of increasing immunisation uptake around Australia over the next five years by reducing vaccine hesitancy and improving access. Among adults, research shows there is a significant gap between vaccine intention and action: many more people want or intend to get a yearly flu vaccine than end up doing so. In Australia, the flu vaccine is available through GPs, pharmacies (for people above the age of two), community health centres, and Aboriginal Medical Services. It is free for at-risk groups (however some providers may charge a consultation or service fee), which includes: Queensland and Western Australia are currently offering flu vaccines to everyone. "The flu vaccine isn't a perfect vaccine, but it really does work, and it's our best tool to protect people from severe flu," Dr Britton said. "If your child is under five or if your child has got any medical conditions that put them at risk, now is the time to get their flu vaccine." Dr Britton also encouraged pregnant women and parents of young children to take up the opportunity to protect their kids against RSV. While RSV causes mild illness in most people, it can lead to serious, life-threatening complications, particularly in infants and older adults. RSV immunisation is available and free for women who are 28 to 36 weeks pregnant, as well as infants under eight months whose mothers were not vaccinated, and infants up to 24 months of age who are at increased risk of severe illness. According to the Department of Health, more than 60,000 women have received an RSV vaccine since the program began in February, which has resulted in an almost 40 per cent drop in cases in children from last year. In addition to improving vaccination rates, Professor Griffin said there was a lot Australians could do to reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses. "Vaccinations are obviously the backbone of prevention … but it's also those simple things that reduce the risk of getting infected, including mask wearing, hand hygiene and so on," he said. "People think they're doing the right thing by coming to work or sending their kids to school when they clearly have respiratory symptoms. "The best thing people can do is stay home until they recover and limit that onward transmission."
West Australian
3 days ago
- West Australian
Jessica Page: WA has the country's lowest flu vaccination rate putting the vulnerable at risk
There's something in the air — winter. And our hospitals are not ready for it. They're barely coping now. Plenty of blame can be, and has been, shared around on that score. And it's my turn to cop a bit. And probably only fair that the Health Minister dish it out. Rightly under pressure over yet another month of record ramping, Meredith Hammat insisted it is a nationwide issue and that the State Government is throwing everything at it. She also said there is something everyone can do to help. 'The United States just experienced its worst flu season in 16 years and we've used that information to prepare for the additional demand this winter will likely bring to WA,' Ms Hammat said. 'Please, if you haven't done so already, get your free flu vaccination and protect yourself and your loved ones this winter'. The Premier must have been listening. Over the weekend, a photo of Roger Cook dutifully getting his jab at the local pharmacy was posted on his social media accounts with a timely reminder that the vaccine is only free in WA until the end of this month. But it was another photo that brought me to tears and made me chastise myself for not yet booking my kids in for their jabs. It was a photo of a two-year-old boy hooked up to a ventilator due to influenza. His mother Hannah Elsey reported that he was previously healthy, with no medical conditions, but fell ill a couple of weeks before an appointment to get vaccinated. 'Luckily he survived and has made a full recovery, but I don't think I will ever fully recover from the trauma,' she said. That social media post reached me all the way from Sudbury in the U.K. but it is relevant here and now, with warnings that a dire flu season in the United Kingdom and the United States is a harbinger of what is to come. The UK Health Security Agency has reported Influenza-mortality for the 2024-25 winter of about 7,800, up 53 per cent on the previous year. Most were people aged over 65, but the deaths of eight children aged four and under, were blamed on the flu. It's already taking a toll in WA, as reported by vaccine advocate Catherine Hughes who knows what she's talking about — all too well. 'Today was hard,' she posted on Light for Riley, the Facebook page set up in her son's name. 'I met with a beautiful mum who, just a couple of weeks ago, unexpectedly lost her young daughter to influenza. 'Before winter even began. Her gorgeous girl is just… gone. Please, if you can protect your kids… do it!' Too many have not. WA's flu vaccination rates this year are the worst in the country. Only 12.3 per cent of 0-4 year olds have been vaccinated, equal last with South Australia. The Vics are the best of the States at 18.8 per cent. Surely we can't let them win two flags this year? (Putting aside the territories, lest I admit the bureaucrats in the ACT have won anything.) Even our seniors are lagging, with only 50 per cent of the over-65s vaccinated. In a supposed cost of living crisis, surely anything that's free would generate a rush to line up longer than the fro yo queues that jam the footpath in Vic Park on a Friday night? But it is easier said than done for two working parents to find the time. Then when you do, one or both kids are already sick with something else and its back to waiting for a gap in the calendar. Western Australia has a troubled history with the flu vaccine, in particular, that does warrant caution. But caution should not be mistaken for conspiracies. Check the label, make sure you're being given the vaccine that's recommended for kids (VaxiGrip Tetra or FluQuadri) and ask your doctor if you have any questions. I'm no doctor, so I'll leave the last word to someone who is better qualified: PCH Paediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist and Kids Institute researcher Chris Blyth. 'We know that vaccines are the most cost effective public health intervention that we have,' Dr Blyth said. 'We know that vaccines do save lives and we know the vaccines that are on the schedule have been demonstrated to be safe and effective.' They're not a 100 per cent guarantee, but up to 70 per cent effective is better than naught. 'It's a moderately protective vaccine, but we know that flu can be a very severe disease and any level of protection certainly translates to people keeping out of hospital,' Dr Blyth said. Hospital staff are counting on that.
West Australian
6 days ago
- West Australian
City of Nedlands says it welcomes hospice opening after Minister excises land
The City of Nedlands has defended its handling of the parkland surrounding the planned Swanbourne children's hospice after it emerged WA's Lands Minister was planning to excise the area from its control. The West Australian revealed on Saturday John Carey would use his power as minister to take control of Allen Park after the local authority blocked the Perth Children's Hospital Foundation's $4 million offer to transform the area into a better, greener view for sick and dying kids. In a statement to The Sunday Times, a City of Nedlands spokesperson said as part of the hospice development approval the council was required to maintain low vegetation on the land proposed for excision, because it was in the key bushfire protection zone. 'The State Government's own bushfire peer review report recommended against the PCHF landscape plan as it compromised the integrity of the bushfire zone,' the spokesperson said. 'The community have expressed concern regarding the bushfire zone and ensuring public access through Allen Park to the beach at all times. 'The city hopes these matters will be considered in the final plan and welcomes the opening of the hospice which will provide valuable support and care for the sick children and their families.' The spokesperson also said the city had emphasised the importance of preserving Class A reserves for future generations, the Bush to Beach Whadjuk Trail, and the management of parks and reserves. On Saturday, Mr Carey called the city 'one of the worst' councils in WA, adding it had 'lost its heart'. '...They have gone out of their way to oppose the hospice, to make it difficult, and now to oppose a beautiful park for dying children,' he said. 'I have to say this: go out and see the land, they've been fixated on this idea . . . go out to the land, it's a dirt bowl.' The excision will have to be put to Parliament on the next sitting day — June 17 — where both houses will have 14 days to pass a disallowance motion in opposition. The Opposition has indicated it will support the move by Mr Carey. Perth Children's Hospital Foundation will now spend $4 million to rehabilitate the park and build a play area.
