GPs urged to prepare for ‘rebound’ flu season
Low uptake of the influenza vaccine this year adds to population vulnerability as the country emerges from COVID-19, experts say
GPs have been warned to brace for a “rebound” flu season next year, with the Immunisation Coalition predicting a spike in cases as international travel resumes and COVID-19 restrictions are eased.
Immunisation providers should also place their orders for flu vaccine stocks before 19 November, the group says, to ensure there is enough supply to meet 2022 demand.
The Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee (AIVC) issued recommendations on the composition of the 2022 Southern Hemisphere flu season last month based on overseas data (see box).
Early indications from Europe, the UK and South-East Asia, which have experienced a surge in respiratory viral infections, suggested Australia was unlikely to have another year of record-low flu cases.
