News
3 May, 2025
Aussies urged to roll up their sleeves
Australians should take action to protect their health this Autumn, as cases of preventable infections, such as influenza and measles, continue to rise—despite vaccines offering an effective way to protect against potentially serious illness.
Australia has recorded more than 60,000 cases of influenza so far this year, surpassing the same period in 2024. Measles cases have also surged, with 54 cases currently recorded, compared to last year's total of 57.
National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey, called the rise "alarming," emphasising the importance of vaccines.
"We know vaccines are critical in protecting public health—stopping these potentially deadly conditions from spreading," he said. "They prevent infection, lower the risk of serious illness, and are recommended for people over six months of age."
"The great thing is some vaccines can be co-administered, meaning in one visit to your community pharmacy, you can get protected against a range of infections. One in four flu shots is given at a community pharmacy, which are open into the evening and weekends, making it easier for patients to get vaccinated."
Many patients are eligible for free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), and those living in Queensland and Western Australia can get vaccinated against influenza for free. Adults aged 20-49 who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated are particularly at risk from measles. This serious condition is easily preventable with two doses of the combination measles vaccine, which provides 99% protection against illness and serious complications.
"Vaccines work. They reduce transmission and reduce your chance of getting sick. Community pharmacies are a convenient and accessible way to get protected," Professor Twomey said.
This comes after the Australian Medical Association (AMA) warned earlier this month about the risk of a "horror flu season." AMA President Dr. Danielle McMullen stressed the importance of people not being dissuaded from getting their flu vaccine or other vaccines due to misinformation spread on social media.
"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 contributing to fewer people getting their shots," she said. "I can't be too blunt about this: thousands of people die each year from respiratory diseases, including flu."
"Older people, immunocompromised individuals, babies, young children, pregnant women, and people with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to some of these respiratory viruses."
"People should get their flu vaccine each year, as the formulation is updated annually to match circulating strains, and the protection from a flu vaccine only lasts a season. The best time to get your flu vaccine is from April onwards."
Patients can visit www.findapharmacy.com.au to find out more or book an appointment.
