It's coming back: Reduced vaccination may lead to increased health risks this flu season

As the 'flu season' begins, new findings released by the Influenza Specialist Group (ISG) have led experts to call upon pharmacists to challenge the risky behaviour of people when it comes to preventing transmission of influenza and seeking vaccination.

The survey of 1,120 people revealed that while 82 per cent of respondents recognise that even healthy people would benefit from vaccination, nearly three quarters (72%) are unsure whether they will get the vaccination, almost half (42%) have never had the vaccination and around 35 per cent (5,400,000) will definitely not be seeking vaccination this year.

Although people recognise the benefits of vaccination there was some reluctance identified through the survey. While 95 per cent of the people surveyed understand that being vaccinated in the past does not necessarily protect them from future influenza outbreaks over a quarter (28%) still do not believe it is important to be vaccinated every year.

The worrying aspect for these people is that many people are avoiding vaccination and consequently becoming a risk to themselves and those around them because they see vaccination as 'too much hassle' (40%), or unnecessary because they 'never get the flu – so there's no point' (18%).

According to Mr John Jackson, Board Member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and member of the Influenza Specialist Group, pharmacists have a key role to play when it comes to providing education and advice regarding influenza, as well as ensuring that they themselves are vaccinated. 

"The survey demonstrates a level of risk taking among consumers in terms of taking preventive measures and avoiding transmission to others. Pharmacists can play an important role in influenza prevention through education and recommendation, particularly among those who are at increased risk of serious outcomes," said Mr Jackson.

The latest surveillance data reveals 54,096 cases of influenza reported across Europe for the season so far. While in England and Ireland, at the peak of the influenza season, more than one in every 100,000 people was hospitalised in intensive care units, in a single day.

The H1N1 (pandemic or 'swine') influenza virus, which is still circulating, has also caused serious illness, hospitalisation and deaths across the Northern Hemisphere in otherwise healthy, younger adults, many of whom did not have underlying risk factors.

"The impact of influenza is quite unpredictable, however, it is with us every year and seasonal outbreaks are imminent in Australia. The reports of influenza-related hospitalisations and deaths in Europe should act as a sign that precautions should be taken. This includes pharmacists engaging and asking customers directly about their vaccination plans, as well as seeking vaccination for themselves and their staff, because they interact  with a lot of people at high-risk of the disease," continued Mr Jackson.

Vaccination remains the single most effective way of protecting yourself against the infection and is particularly important for older Australians, as well as the 2.2 million younger Australians currently also eligible for free influenza vaccine under recent changes to the Commonwealth Government scheme.

The Australian Immunisation Handbook also recommends influenza vaccination for any person 6 months of age or over who wishes to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza.

According to Dr Alan Hampson, OAM, Chair of the Influenza Specialist Group (ISG), pharmacists should now be talking to people who are at-risk, and those wishing to protect themselves and those around them.

"There are on average over 2,200 hospital admissions each year in Australia where influenza is the proven or suspected primary cause of hospitalisation; and over 1,750 of these cases are in people aged under 65 years, so it is not just the elderly that are at risk," said Dr Hampson. 

"These statistics and the findings of this new survey reinforce that now is a good time for pharmacists to be speaking with patients about influenza vaccination, particularly as many people are currently eligible for a free seasonal influenza vaccine, including pregnant women."

"The seasonal influenza vaccine helps protect you against the three virus strains which have been identified by the WHO as potentially leading to serious illness in the Southern Hemisphere this winter.  This includes A/H1N1 'swine flu' which is just one of the viruses that we are likely to face. It is also very important to reinforce that vaccination each year is necessary to ensure the best possible protection against illness," said Dr Hampson. 

(Source: Influenza Specialist Group)

More information

For more information on the common cold and influenza, types of influenza and treatments and tips for preventing influenza, see Cold and Flu.

For more information on immunisation, including the childhood immunisation scedule, types of vaccines, preconception screening, as well as some useful videos, see Immunisation.

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• Influenza (Flu)

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