Following the incredibly sad news of reported deaths and increased hospitalisations of young people infected with Influenza (flu), the Department of Health advises that vaccination is key to protecting children, adolescents and high-risk groups from severe flu.
Similar to New South Wales, Victoria recorded a substantial month-on-month increase in influenza-related emergency department presentations from May to June, for both children and adults. Influenza activity is continuing across Victoria, with almost half of cases occurring in children and adolescents under the age of 15 years.
While Influenza A cases in Victoria are likely peaking, Influenza B cases are increasing. According to Professor Allen Cheng, our Director of Infectious Diseases who spoke at our recent Employee Forum, the prevalence of the B-strain is a new trend compared to flu in the last couple of years.
“There’s a lot of Flu B, which is a strain we haven’t seen since 2019 and probably even before.”
As advised by the Department of Health, vaccination is key to protecting yourself and those around you from the flu. Flu vaccination reduces the chances of catching Influenza and can reduce symptoms and prevent complications in those who still become infected.
As Professor Cheng put it, “the flu vaccine is quite protective, reducing your chance of hospitalisation by about 50%.”
Influenza vaccination is important and the best way of protecting ourselves, our patients and each other. It is never too late to vaccinate, especially given influenza can circulate in the community all year round.
- Employees can still access free Influenza vaccination during the listed times at the Infection Prevention Offices.
- Family members can get the flu vaccine from a pharmacist, doctor (GP) or local council immunisation service. Pharmacists can administer the flu vaccines to anyone aged 5 years and over.
- If you received the flu vaccine outside of Monash Health or are not participating, you must declare online now.
Yearly flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. The Department of Health is also encouraging clinicians and immunisation providers to continue encouraging Influenza vaccination, especially in groups at high-risk of serious illness from flu.
Thank you to the 78% of employees who have been vaccinated for Influenza this year. As a Monash Health employee it is important you inform us of your Influenza vaccination status, which means 100% of our employees must vaccinate or declare.
If you are a manager with BI portal access, you must check your team’s status and encourage those who have not taken action to receive their influenza vaccination or complete the declaration form.
For more information about the employee flu vaccination program at Monash Health, visit our Getting an Influenza (flu) vaccination page via the Employee Vaccination Hub. You will also find the answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about employee flu vaccinations.
Approved by Professor Rhonda Stuart, Director, Public Health and Infection Prevention