A sharp rise in flu cases has prompted an urgent plea for the State Labor Government to commit to offering free flu vaccinations for all South Australians ahead of winter.
The Opposition is calling on the Government to offer a free flu vax blitz for a month leading into winter, allowing for all South Australians over six months old to get a vaccination – an initiative that has the support of the Pharmacy Guild of SA.
Flu cases are at a five-year high, with 2,324 people contracting the virus so far this year, up from 1,634 on last year and almost three times higher than at the same time in 2023.
Western Australia offers a two-month period where all residents can receive a free flu vaccine, while Queensland offer free vaccinations throughout the flu season, from March to September. These are offered for free in addition to those who are already eligible through the National Immunisation Program.
The Opposition Leader, Vincent Tarzia, says every precaution needs to be taken to protect our community and ease pressure on our struggling health system, in a similar way to other states.
“The latest flu figures should send a chill through every South Australian as we head towards winter with our Emergency Departments already bursting at the seams,” Mr Tarzia said.
“We are seeing record levels of ramping, with more than 129 000 hours lost waiting in an ambulance since Labor came to power and we have some of the worst Emergency Department waiting times in the country, according to the productivity commission.
“Last year’s flu season saw a statewide Code Yellow called and the Labor needs to do everything it can to avoid the same situation again this year.
Shadow Minister for Health, Ashton Hurn, is urging the Labor Government to have every line of defence up and running to protect South Australians and our health system this winter.
“Flu cases are at a five year high already, and we need to be pulling every lever possible to keep South Australians healthy and out of our hospitals and Emergency Departments,” said Mrs Hurn.
“We’re proposing a month-long vaccination blitz where all South Australians have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and access free flu shots to protect themselves and their loved ones.
“At a time when so many families are struggling to make ends meet as cost-of-living soars, a free vaccination can save a family of four up to $100.
“It’s mums and dads who take their young children to get a flu vaccination, so it makes sense to provide a little more incentive to get them there by making it free for the whole family.”
President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (SA Branch), Matthew Gillespie, said pharmacies are ready and willing to support the initiative.
“Community pharmacies are proud to support the rollout of flu vaccines each year and have the capacity and the skills to protect our community from winter illnesses,” Mr Gillespie said.
“In what appears to be a severe flu season ahead of us, a free vaccination program would go a long way to further reducing the strain, not just on our hospitals, but on our GP clinics who are already in high demand”.
