Australians are being urged to get their annual jab, as flu rates surge nationally. NSW Health is urging residents to get vaccinated with influenza rates predicted to be just as severe as or worse than in 2023. Chief health officer Kerry Chant said in 2023 more children were admitted to intensive care with severe life-threatening complications. The latest national surveillance figures have revealed there have been more than 39,823 notifications of laboratory confirmed influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) in the year to 23 April. Read more
Australia is currently experiencing a whooping cough outbreak, with 2,799 cases recorded in the first three months of 2024. The states most affected are Queensland and New South Wales, each reporting over 1,000 cases. Interestingly, the last time Queensland recorded more than 1,000 cases in a three-month period was back in the first quarter of 2013. Health authorities are urging people to get vaccinated against whooping cough and be vigilant for symptoms, especially in young children. Read more
Advice for travellers
The 2024 flu season is well underway in the southern hemisphere and Travelvax Australia recommends vaccination for all travellers over 6 months. Seasonal flu is the most common vaccine-preventable travel-related illness, posing a risk aboard aircraft, in crowded airport terminals, and at your destination. Travellers should also avoid close contact with people showing flu-like symptoms, and thoroughly washing hands using soap and water after using the toilet and before eating. Hand sanitiser is a convenient alternative if soap and water is not available. Read more
Travelvax Australia recommends that all travellers ensure they are current for whooping cough (pertussis) and all childhood vaccinations, including, diphtheria, measles, chickenpox and tetanus for travel to any destination – be it a developed or developing country. Read more about pertussis.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.