Latest news with #RoyalAustralianCollegeofGeneralPractitioners
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
Low vaccine rates see flu cases rise, putting vulnerable people at risk
This year's flu season is shaping up to be one for the ages if current influenza case numbers are anything to go by - and low flu vaccination rates could be to blame. Figures from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System show there have been more than 80,000 lab-confirmed influenza cases recorded across Australia in the year to May 19, representing about a 13 per cent increase over the same period last year. At the same time, flu vaccination rates are alarmingly low. Despite being part of a high-risk group, only 11.7 per cent of children aged between six months and five years old have received a flu vaccine this year. People aged 65 and over are another high-risk cohort at risk of serious complications from influenza. But data shows less than half (46.9 per cent) of this group are covered for the upcoming winter months. Dr Ramya Raman, vice-president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), said people may be reluctant to get the flu vaccine due to fatigue surrounding vaccines in recent years. "There is a level of vaccine hesitancy that we are seeing, and it's primarily related to a sense of exhaustion," she said. But Dr Raman said flu vaccination is still very important, not just for your own health, but the health of those around you. "It's well proven in effectiveness," she said. "It not only protects patients, it also protects their families, their communities. And it makes a huge difference from having good herd immunity." The updated flu vaccine for the 2025 season is a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning it targets four separate strains. The following groups can access flu vaccines for free through their pharmacist or GP: If you are part of one of these high-risk groups, it's best to seek advice from your regular GP or medical practitioner before receiving a vaccine. This year's flu season is shaping up to be one for the ages if current influenza case numbers are anything to go by - and low flu vaccination rates could be to blame. Figures from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System show there have been more than 80,000 lab-confirmed influenza cases recorded across Australia in the year to May 19, representing about a 13 per cent increase over the same period last year. At the same time, flu vaccination rates are alarmingly low. Despite being part of a high-risk group, only 11.7 per cent of children aged between six months and five years old have received a flu vaccine this year. People aged 65 and over are another high-risk cohort at risk of serious complications from influenza. But data shows less than half (46.9 per cent) of this group are covered for the upcoming winter months. Dr Ramya Raman, vice-president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), said people may be reluctant to get the flu vaccine due to fatigue surrounding vaccines in recent years. "There is a level of vaccine hesitancy that we are seeing, and it's primarily related to a sense of exhaustion," she said. But Dr Raman said flu vaccination is still very important, not just for your own health, but the health of those around you. "It's well proven in effectiveness," she said. "It not only protects patients, it also protects their families, their communities. And it makes a huge difference from having good herd immunity." The updated flu vaccine for the 2025 season is a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning it targets four separate strains. The following groups can access flu vaccines for free through their pharmacist or GP: If you are part of one of these high-risk groups, it's best to seek advice from your regular GP or medical practitioner before receiving a vaccine. This year's flu season is shaping up to be one for the ages if current influenza case numbers are anything to go by - and low flu vaccination rates could be to blame. Figures from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System show there have been more than 80,000 lab-confirmed influenza cases recorded across Australia in the year to May 19, representing about a 13 per cent increase over the same period last year. At the same time, flu vaccination rates are alarmingly low. Despite being part of a high-risk group, only 11.7 per cent of children aged between six months and five years old have received a flu vaccine this year. People aged 65 and over are another high-risk cohort at risk of serious complications from influenza. But data shows less than half (46.9 per cent) of this group are covered for the upcoming winter months. Dr Ramya Raman, vice-president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), said people may be reluctant to get the flu vaccine due to fatigue surrounding vaccines in recent years. "There is a level of vaccine hesitancy that we are seeing, and it's primarily related to a sense of exhaustion," she said. But Dr Raman said flu vaccination is still very important, not just for your own health, but the health of those around you. "It's well proven in effectiveness," she said. "It not only protects patients, it also protects their families, their communities. And it makes a huge difference from having good herd immunity." The updated flu vaccine for the 2025 season is a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning it targets four separate strains. The following groups can access flu vaccines for free through their pharmacist or GP: If you are part of one of these high-risk groups, it's best to seek advice from your regular GP or medical practitioner before receiving a vaccine. This year's flu season is shaping up to be one for the ages if current influenza case numbers are anything to go by - and low flu vaccination rates could be to blame. Figures from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System show there have been more than 80,000 lab-confirmed influenza cases recorded across Australia in the year to May 19, representing about a 13 per cent increase over the same period last year. At the same time, flu vaccination rates are alarmingly low. Despite being part of a high-risk group, only 11.7 per cent of children aged between six months and five years old have received a flu vaccine this year. People aged 65 and over are another high-risk cohort at risk of serious complications from influenza. But data shows less than half (46.9 per cent) of this group are covered for the upcoming winter months. Dr Ramya Raman, vice-president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), said people may be reluctant to get the flu vaccine due to fatigue surrounding vaccines in recent years. "There is a level of vaccine hesitancy that we are seeing, and it's primarily related to a sense of exhaustion," she said. But Dr Raman said flu vaccination is still very important, not just for your own health, but the health of those around you. "It's well proven in effectiveness," she said. "It not only protects patients, it also protects their families, their communities. And it makes a huge difference from having good herd immunity." The updated flu vaccine for the 2025 season is a quadrivalent vaccine, meaning it targets four separate strains. The following groups can access flu vaccines for free through their pharmacist or GP: If you are part of one of these high-risk groups, it's best to seek advice from your regular GP or medical practitioner before receiving a vaccine.
Time Business News
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time Business News
Planning a Medical Centre Fitout That Works for Patients and Professionals
Designing a medical centre fitout goes far beyond aesthetics. It's about building a functional, compliant, and welcoming environment that supports medical professionals and puts patients at ease. Whether you're opening a new clinic or revamping an existing space, a well-planned fitout ensures your facility meets industry standards, optimises workflow, and enhances the patient experience. From layout to lighting, and compliance to comfort, every detail contributes to how your medical practice operates. A poorly designed clinic can lead to patient dissatisfaction, reduced staff productivity, and compliance issues. That's why it's crucial to approach the fitout process with strategic planning and a focus on long-term functionality. Healthcare environments are unique. Unlike commercial offices or retail spaces, a medical centre fitout must accommodate both clinical requirements and human comfort. It needs to balance sterile, efficient spaces for practitioners with warm, approachable zones for patients and families. For instance, reception and waiting areas should be designed to ease anxiety and reduce stress. Natural light, calming colours, and comfortable seating go a long way in making patients feel more relaxed. On the other hand, consulting rooms, treatment areas, and sterilisation zones must prioritise hygiene, privacy, and accessibility. When these areas are carefully thought out, the result is a medical facility that promotes trust, efficiency, and professional credibility. Every medical centre fitout must adhere to specific building codes and healthcare regulations. This includes accessibility standards under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), infection control measures, ventilation guidelines, and proper waste management protocols. Accreditation bodies such as the RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners) also have standards that your practice must meet if it offers general practice services. These standards often impact the design and layout of spaces like treatment rooms, medication storage, and staff facilities. Working with a fitout specialist who understands healthcare compliance is essential. It ensures that the design doesn't just look good, but functions legally and safely, protecting both patients and your practice from potential liabilities. A successful medical centre fitout considers how practitioners, nurses, and administrative staff move through the space. Every step, from a patient checking in at reception to being seen in a consulting room, should feel seamless. Poor layout choices—like having staff walk across the building to access sterilisation equipment or placing storage in hard-to-reach locations—can slow operations down. On the other hand, a well-thought-out design can reduce wait times, support better record-keeping, and minimise disruptions during consultations. Key design considerations include strategically placed consulting rooms, easy access to shared treatment areas, logical storage placement, and separate pathways for staff and patients where necessary. These elements make daily routines easier for medical professionals and less frustrating for patients. When someone walks into a medical centre, their first impression is shaped by what they see, hear, and feel. A modern, welcoming medical centre fitout helps build patient trust and ease. That begins with a clear signage system, an uncluttered reception area, and a warm colour palette. Noise reduction is another crucial aspect. Acoustic treatments can make a big difference in patient privacy and overall comfort. Nobody wants to overhear private consultations or deal with noisy waiting rooms. Amenities like accessible bathrooms, dedicated children's play zones, or even coffee stations can also leave a positive impression, especially in practices where patients may spend longer waiting or return frequently. Today's medical centres rely heavily on technology—from digital records and online booking systems to diagnostic tools and telehealth platforms. A smart medical centre fitout includes infrastructure that supports these technologies. This could mean installing enough data ports in consulting rooms, ensuring strong Wi-Fi coverage, setting up secure server rooms, and including patient charging stations in the waiting area. Considering future tech upgrades during the fitout phase can save time and costs down the road. It's also worth thinking about how to integrate tech without making the space feel impersonal. Hidden cables, built-in screens, and sleek wall-mounted devices keep everything professional without overwhelming the clinical environment. A successful medical centre fitout is the result of collaboration between you, your staff, and an experienced fitout company. It's important to partner with professionals who understand the nuances of healthcare design, local council requirements, and patient behaviour. Before starting any work, a detailed consultation should take place to assess your current space, future needs, and branding preferences. From here, a reliable fitout company can guide you through planning, permits, construction, and finishing touches. A good fitout partner will also be transparent about timelines, costs, and materials used—ensuring you stay informed every step of the way. A well-executed medical centre fitout does more than improve your physical space. It supports better healthcare delivery, improves staff workflow, ensures compliance, and creates a positive environment for your patients. Whether you're starting fresh or upgrading an old clinic, investing in a thoughtful fitout helps your practice stand out in a competitive healthcare landscape. If you're planning a fitout soon, consider what your space needs to function better today—and be flexible enough to evolve with tomorrow. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Advertiser
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
Measles is emerging in the elderly and vaccine- hesitant in an 'atypical surge'
Measles cases are rising across Australia in 2025 and it isn't a typical spike. There have been 72 cases reported in 2025 and that figure already exceeds the total for 2024 which was 57 cases. It is also the highest number recorded since 2019 when there were 284 cases for the full year. Cases are highest in Victoria (27) and NSW (21) in 2025. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners NSW/ACT chair Rebekah Hoffman told ACM, the publisher of this masthead, there were numerous reasons behind the spike. There are generally spikes in measles every 10-12 years but these case numbers went beyond that, she said. Dr Hoffman attributed the rise to pockets of Australia that are 'vaccine-hesitant', a growing number of communities dropping below the level required for herd immunity. She also said there were some Australians in their sixties and seventies who were unvaccinated because the vaccine wasn't available when they were children. Two doses of the MMR (Mumps, Measles, and Rubella) vaccine were introduced to the national childhood immunisation schedule in the early 1990s. "We are also travelling again and going to places with active measles outbreaks, like pockets of Asia and Africa, and unknowingly bringing measles back," she said. Dr Hoffman said measles has a long incubation period and also spreads quickly, making it a particularly concerning illness. Measles spreads through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes. Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body. It could take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure. Health experts advise people to consult their doctor if they are unsure about their vaccination status. Measles could cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Measles cases are rising across Australia in 2025 and it isn't a typical spike. There have been 72 cases reported in 2025 and that figure already exceeds the total for 2024 which was 57 cases. It is also the highest number recorded since 2019 when there were 284 cases for the full year. Cases are highest in Victoria (27) and NSW (21) in 2025. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners NSW/ACT chair Rebekah Hoffman told ACM, the publisher of this masthead, there were numerous reasons behind the spike. There are generally spikes in measles every 10-12 years but these case numbers went beyond that, she said. Dr Hoffman attributed the rise to pockets of Australia that are 'vaccine-hesitant', a growing number of communities dropping below the level required for herd immunity. She also said there were some Australians in their sixties and seventies who were unvaccinated because the vaccine wasn't available when they were children. Two doses of the MMR (Mumps, Measles, and Rubella) vaccine were introduced to the national childhood immunisation schedule in the early 1990s. "We are also travelling again and going to places with active measles outbreaks, like pockets of Asia and Africa, and unknowingly bringing measles back," she said. Dr Hoffman said measles has a long incubation period and also spreads quickly, making it a particularly concerning illness. Measles spreads through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes. Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body. It could take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure. Health experts advise people to consult their doctor if they are unsure about their vaccination status. Measles could cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Measles cases are rising across Australia in 2025 and it isn't a typical spike. There have been 72 cases reported in 2025 and that figure already exceeds the total for 2024 which was 57 cases. It is also the highest number recorded since 2019 when there were 284 cases for the full year. Cases are highest in Victoria (27) and NSW (21) in 2025. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners NSW/ACT chair Rebekah Hoffman told ACM, the publisher of this masthead, there were numerous reasons behind the spike. There are generally spikes in measles every 10-12 years but these case numbers went beyond that, she said. Dr Hoffman attributed the rise to pockets of Australia that are 'vaccine-hesitant', a growing number of communities dropping below the level required for herd immunity. She also said there were some Australians in their sixties and seventies who were unvaccinated because the vaccine wasn't available when they were children. Two doses of the MMR (Mumps, Measles, and Rubella) vaccine were introduced to the national childhood immunisation schedule in the early 1990s. "We are also travelling again and going to places with active measles outbreaks, like pockets of Asia and Africa, and unknowingly bringing measles back," she said. Dr Hoffman said measles has a long incubation period and also spreads quickly, making it a particularly concerning illness. Measles spreads through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes. Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body. It could take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure. Health experts advise people to consult their doctor if they are unsure about their vaccination status. Measles could cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Measles cases are rising across Australia in 2025 and it isn't a typical spike. There have been 72 cases reported in 2025 and that figure already exceeds the total for 2024 which was 57 cases. It is also the highest number recorded since 2019 when there were 284 cases for the full year. Cases are highest in Victoria (27) and NSW (21) in 2025. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners NSW/ACT chair Rebekah Hoffman told ACM, the publisher of this masthead, there were numerous reasons behind the spike. There are generally spikes in measles every 10-12 years but these case numbers went beyond that, she said. Dr Hoffman attributed the rise to pockets of Australia that are 'vaccine-hesitant', a growing number of communities dropping below the level required for herd immunity. She also said there were some Australians in their sixties and seventies who were unvaccinated because the vaccine wasn't available when they were children. Two doses of the MMR (Mumps, Measles, and Rubella) vaccine were introduced to the national childhood immunisation schedule in the early 1990s. "We are also travelling again and going to places with active measles outbreaks, like pockets of Asia and Africa, and unknowingly bringing measles back," she said. Dr Hoffman said measles has a long incubation period and also spreads quickly, making it a particularly concerning illness. Measles spreads through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes. Symptoms to watch out for include fever, sore eyes, runny nose and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head and face to the rest of the body. It could take up to 18 days for symptoms to appear after an exposure. Health experts advise people to consult their doctor if they are unsure about their vaccination status. Measles could cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis.
The Age
27-04-2025
- Health
- The Age
‘A catastrophe of a disease': Doctors sound alarm on spread of measles
Symptoms may include coughing, fever, red or sore eyes, a runny nose and a red rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward across the body. It can cause pneumonia, ear infections and diarrhoea, and about one in every 1000 cases causes swelling and inflammation of the brain, which can result in permanent brain damage or even death. Eight Victorians have been hospitalised with measles this year, with most people struck down by the virus aged between 25 and 30. Weeramanthri said he was cautiously waiting to see if cases would rise after the school holidays. 'The incubation period can be up to 18 days,' he said. 'We're not out of the woods for another week or so.' The latest outbreak coincides with a decline in the proportion of Australians vaccinated against measles. About 93 per cent of Victorian two-year-olds are vaccinated against measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), which is below the national target of 95 per cent. The most recent measles cases involved individuals who had not received two recorded doses of the MMR vaccine. Loading Weeramanthri said people had a much higher risk of contracting measles, and becoming sicker, if they were unvaccinated. But he said some vaccinated Victorians had also become sick, but experienced a milder illness. Measles is a disease that Dr Anita Munoz, Victorian chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, never expected to worry about during her career. 'I was told as a medical student that this was an infectious disease of the past,' she said. But like many doctors across Melbourne, Munoz is now on high alert for the disease's tell-tale symptoms. 'It is a catastrophe of a disease,' she said. 'It is one of the reasons why entire populations in South America were wiped out during colonisation.' Munoz said vaccine hesitancy following the pandemic, as well as dangerous messaging from public figures such as anti-vaccine US health secretary Robert F Kennedy, was fuelling a decline in vaccination coverage. Measles cases are on the rise around the world, with the disease recently killing two unvaccinated children in the US and making at least 800 people unwell. The World Health Organisation estimates that 107,500 people died from measles in 2023 – mostly unvaccinated children under the age of five. Professor Benjamin Cowie, an infectious diseases physician who works at the Doherty Institute and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, said measles was a 'notoriously infectious' disease, with one case able to generate 13 other infections within a susceptible population. He's concerned cases will rise after the school holidays as Victorians return home from countries with current outbreaks, including Vietnam and Thailand. 'Many Australians visit these countries,' he said. 'They might be completely unaware that they are susceptible.' Cowie said he's on high alert for the disease and exercising a high level of caution with patients. 'If someone comes in with a sore throat, fever and rash, I think, 'could it be measles' and then put a mask on them and isolate them.' Murdoch Children's Research Institute professor Margie Danchin said babies who are too young to be vaccinated were at heightened risk. Australians born between 1966 and 1994 are also at greater risk of measles as they may not have had two doses of the measles vaccine, which is currently provided to Australian infants at 12 and 18 months. While Danchin said there was a perception that most unvaccinated children had anti-vaxxer parents, one of the biggest barriers to vaccination was access and cost. Her research has found that 20 per cent of parents with partially vaccinated children were unable to afford costs associated with vaccinating their child, such as gap payments for a GP appointment or time off work. She said some families were unable to attend council-run vaccination sessions, if available, because they worked during the week. About a decade ago, Danchin treated a child with measles who wound up in hospital with pneumonia, a complication that arises in 1 in 20 measles cases. 'It is the most infectious disease we know,' she said. 'It is a heat-seeking missile that will find people who are unvaccinated and spread.'
Sydney Morning Herald
27-04-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘A catastrophe of a disease': Doctors sound alarm on spread of measles
Symptoms may include coughing, fever, red or sore eyes, a runny nose and a red rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward across the body. It can cause pneumonia, ear infections and diarrhoea, and about one in every 1000 cases causes swelling and inflammation of the brain, which can result in permanent brain damage or even death. Eight Victorians have been hospitalised with measles this year, with most people struck down by the virus aged between 25 and 30. Weeramanthri said he was cautiously waiting to see if cases would rise after the school holidays. 'The incubation period can be up to 18 days,' he said. 'We're not out of the woods for another week or so.' The latest outbreak coincides with a decline in the proportion of Australians vaccinated against measles. About 93 per cent of Victorian two-year-olds are vaccinated against measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), which is below the national target of 95 per cent. The most recent measles cases involved individuals who had not received two recorded doses of the MMR vaccine. Loading Weeramanthri said people had a much higher risk of contracting measles, and becoming sicker, if they were unvaccinated. But he said some vaccinated Victorians had also become sick, but experienced a milder illness. Measles is a disease that Dr Anita Munoz, Victorian chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, never expected to worry about during her career. 'I was told as a medical student that this was an infectious disease of the past,' she said. But like many doctors across Melbourne, Munoz is now on high alert for the disease's tell-tale symptoms. 'It is a catastrophe of a disease,' she said. 'It is one of the reasons why entire populations in South America were wiped out during colonisation.' Munoz said vaccine hesitancy following the pandemic, as well as dangerous messaging from public figures such as anti-vaccine US health secretary Robert F Kennedy, was fuelling a decline in vaccination coverage. Measles cases are on the rise around the world, with the disease recently killing two unvaccinated children in the US and making at least 800 people unwell. The World Health Organisation estimates that 107,500 people died from measles in 2023 – mostly unvaccinated children under the age of five. Professor Benjamin Cowie, an infectious diseases physician who works at the Doherty Institute and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, said measles was a 'notoriously infectious' disease, with one case able to generate 13 other infections within a susceptible population. He's concerned cases will rise after the school holidays as Victorians return home from countries with current outbreaks, including Vietnam and Thailand. 'Many Australians visit these countries,' he said. 'They might be completely unaware that they are susceptible.' Cowie said he's on high alert for the disease and exercising a high level of caution with patients. 'If someone comes in with a sore throat, fever and rash, I think, 'could it be measles' and then put a mask on them and isolate them.' Murdoch Children's Research Institute professor Margie Danchin said babies who are too young to be vaccinated were at heightened risk. Australians born between 1966 and 1994 are also at greater risk of measles as they may not have had two doses of the measles vaccine, which is currently provided to Australian infants at 12 and 18 months. While Danchin said there was a perception that most unvaccinated children had anti-vaxxer parents, one of the biggest barriers to vaccination was access and cost. Her research has found that 20 per cent of parents with partially vaccinated children were unable to afford costs associated with vaccinating their child, such as gap payments for a GP appointment or time off work. She said some families were unable to attend council-run vaccination sessions, if available, because they worked during the week. About a decade ago, Danchin treated a child with measles who wound up in hospital with pneumonia, a complication that arises in 1 in 20 measles cases. 'It is the most infectious disease we know,' she said. 'It is a heat-seeking missile that will find people who are unvaccinated and spread.'
