South Australian vaccines update

12 April 2024

Around 600,000 at-risk South Australians eligible for a free influenza vaccine through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) are being encouraged to roll up their sleeve for their annual flu immunisation with all brands of this year’s influenza vaccine now available.

And shack owners along the River Murray will now be eligible to receive a free immunisation against Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) – one of the deadliest mosquito-borne diseases found in South Australia.

Eligible people can get the free vaccines from a range of immunisation providers including GPs, Aboriginal health services, participating pharmacies and some local council and community clinics. For most people, one dose offers life-long protection against JEV.

All providers in South Australia who have ordered flu vaccines have now received their stock to offer the vaccine. In Australia, the flu season typically peaks through June to September, so all South Australians are being urged to book themselves and their families in for the vaccine now.

There have been 1921 notifed cases of Influenza in South Australia so far this year, compared to 1,255 at the same time last year.

Symptoms of influenza include a rapid onset of fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea in children.

Most people recover within a week, although the cough and fatigue may last longer. In some cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia and even death.

For people who are at greater risk of severe influenza disease and developing flu-related complications, the flu vaccine is available for free through the NIP.

This covers people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, children six months to less than five years of age, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of age, and people with certain medical conditions.

Adults and children who are homeless and are not eligible for the free flu vaccine under the NIP, are eligible to receive the influenza vaccine for free under the State Funded Influenza Program.

People due for a COVID-19 booster are also reminded that they can receive their influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.

Meanwhile, SA Health’s 40,000 staff will have until 10 May to share their view on a consultation about proposed changes to its mandatory vaccination policy.

Currently under the Policy: Addressing vaccine preventable disease: Occupational assessment, screening, and vaccination, Category A and B workers are required to have at least two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccination to work in patient facing roles.

COVID-19 vaccination will continue to be strongly recommended for all SA Health staff. If adopted, exemptions will only be provided if a staff member signs a declaration acknowledging they have been advised of the proven benefits of COVID-19 vaccinations and their active decision to forgo its benefits.

Since 2021, population immunity to COVID-19 in South Australia has increased over time to near universal immunity due to vaccination, past infection or a combination of both.

Scientific evidence shows that hybrid immunity – from being vaccinated and also experiencing COVID-19 infection – provides the highest level of protection against related severe disease, hospitalisation, death and long-COVID.

For more information on flu vaccinations, go to Influenza Immunisation Program. 

Quotes attributable to Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier

The best protection is always prevention, whether it’s the flu, COVID-19 or mosquito-borne diseases.

With flu doses now delivered, we strongly encourage everyone to contact their GP or immunisation provider to arrange to get their vaccine dose to help protect themselves, their family and the community.

Separately, with South Australians now benefiting from hybrid immunity to COVID-19 through immunisation and past infections, we believe the time is right to consult on changes to our current mandatory vaccination policy.

If adopted, staff members who choose not to take this simple step to protect themselves must make an active choice to not be vaccinated and sign a declaration as such.