2024 declared as Australia’s worst influenza season as cases soar
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The year 2024 has unfolded with a particularly alarming health concern for Australians.
The influenza virus, often underestimated in its severity, has surged to unprecedented levels, marking this year as the worst flu season on record.
The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System has confirmed 352,532 laboratory-confirmed cases, surpassing the previous record of 313,615 cases in 2019.
This surge in flu cases has left health experts deeply concerned and the community at large grappling with the implications.
The flu season commenced unusually early, with a cluster of cases in the summer, which set the stage for a dramatic increase during the winter months.
July alone saw over 107,000 cases, coinciding with the circulation of other serious respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), whooping cough, and mycoplasma pneumoniae.
This confluence of diseases has put an immense strain on healthcare systems and highlighted the importance of preventative measures.
Alarmingly, the sharp rise in flu cases has been attributed to a significant decline in flu vaccination rates across Australia.
Post-pandemic vaccine fatigue seems to be a contributing factor, with three severe flu seasons occurring consecutively since 2022.
The drop in vaccination rates is particularly concerning among vulnerable groups.
For instance, only one in four children under five received their flu shot this year, a stark decrease from 46 per cent in 2020.
School-age children, who consistently show the highest rates of flu, have also seen vaccination rates halved to just 14 per cent.
Even among those over 65, who are at a higher risk of life-threatening complications, vaccination rates have dipped from 70 per cent in 2020 to 60 per cent.
The consequences of this complacency are dire. More than 400 Australians have died from influenza this year, with over 3,700 others suffering severe illness requiring hospitalisation.
A survey conducted by the Immunisation Coalition involving 25,000 Australians revealed that only 54 per cent of respondents considered influenza a serious disease.
Furthermore, a mere 45 per cent of parents with young children were aware that vaccination was recommended and free for under-fives.
The Australian Medical Association required at least half the population to be vaccinated to provide a level of herd immunity and to prevent flu season from becoming severe.
Dr Rodney Pearce, Chairman of the Immunisation Coalition, has called the record number of cases 'a wake-up call.'
‘Influenza is not just a bad cold—it can have severe consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations,’ he said.
‘Yet, our surveys indicate that many Australians are disengaged and feel vaccination is unnecessary. This puts the whole community at risk.’
The Coalition is now urging state and federal governments to take action to address the declining vaccination rates before they plummet further in the coming years.
Have you gotten your flu shot this year? How has the flu impacted your community? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below.
The influenza virus, often underestimated in its severity, has surged to unprecedented levels, marking this year as the worst flu season on record.
The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System has confirmed 352,532 laboratory-confirmed cases, surpassing the previous record of 313,615 cases in 2019.
This surge in flu cases has left health experts deeply concerned and the community at large grappling with the implications.
2024 was seen as having the highest number of influenza cases on record. Credit: Pexels
The flu season commenced unusually early, with a cluster of cases in the summer, which set the stage for a dramatic increase during the winter months.
July alone saw over 107,000 cases, coinciding with the circulation of other serious respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), whooping cough, and mycoplasma pneumoniae.
This confluence of diseases has put an immense strain on healthcare systems and highlighted the importance of preventative measures.
Alarmingly, the sharp rise in flu cases has been attributed to a significant decline in flu vaccination rates across Australia.
Post-pandemic vaccine fatigue seems to be a contributing factor, with three severe flu seasons occurring consecutively since 2022.
The drop in vaccination rates is particularly concerning among vulnerable groups.
For instance, only one in four children under five received their flu shot this year, a stark decrease from 46 per cent in 2020.
School-age children, who consistently show the highest rates of flu, have also seen vaccination rates halved to just 14 per cent.
Even among those over 65, who are at a higher risk of life-threatening complications, vaccination rates have dipped from 70 per cent in 2020 to 60 per cent.
The consequences of this complacency are dire. More than 400 Australians have died from influenza this year, with over 3,700 others suffering severe illness requiring hospitalisation.
A survey conducted by the Immunisation Coalition involving 25,000 Australians revealed that only 54 per cent of respondents considered influenza a serious disease.
Furthermore, a mere 45 per cent of parents with young children were aware that vaccination was recommended and free for under-fives.
The Australian Medical Association required at least half the population to be vaccinated to provide a level of herd immunity and to prevent flu season from becoming severe.
Dr Rodney Pearce, Chairman of the Immunisation Coalition, has called the record number of cases 'a wake-up call.'
‘Influenza is not just a bad cold—it can have severe consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations,’ he said.
‘Yet, our surveys indicate that many Australians are disengaged and feel vaccination is unnecessary. This puts the whole community at risk.’
The Coalition is now urging state and federal governments to take action to address the declining vaccination rates before they plummet further in the coming years.
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It’s a shame because a lot of old diseases are coming back because even young parents don’t get their babies vaccinated.
