It's hip to be jabbed - flu shots in huge demand across Australian businesses
Vaccination
Influenza vaccinations have increased by more than 40 per cent
New Medibank data shows that there has been a more than 40 per cent increase in influenza vaccinations this year in preparation for the looming 2018 flu season.
Between March and June this year Medibank helped deliver nearly 10,000 flu jabs to 26 different Australian businesses – an increase of 41 per cent from 2017.
Medibank partners with corporate clients to offer optional flu vaccinations to their employees across Australia, and was one of the largest workplace flu vaccination providers in Australia in 2017.
Medibank’s own employees who either attended an onsite clinic for a vaccination or chose a prepaid voucher to take to their local pharmacy also increased this year – by more than 50 per cent.
Last year’s influenza season resulted in a significant burden on hospitals with Medibank recording a 25 per cent increase in hospital admissions for respiratory conditions.
The season also saw many Australians take time off work according to the Department of Health and the flu cost the Australian economy $114.6 million in lost productivity last year, according to finder.com.
Medibank Chief Medical Officer Dr Linda Swan said the high turnout for vaccinations could be related to last year’s season.
“We may be seeing a reaction to the severe flu season that we experienced last year. Australians are being more careful after influenza strains like the Brisbane flu last year,” said Dr Swan.
The World Health Organisation announced that a strain originating from Queensland – the Brisbane flu or influenza B Bug – was one of the most dangerous in the world.
Dr Swan also says that while getting vaccinated does not completely protect against the virus, it is the next best thing.
“Influenza is a difficult virus to predict. It changes and adapts all the time and because of this we need a slightly different vaccination each year,” she said.
“It’s important to take preventative steps to protect yourself. And while the flu shot doesn’t provide complete protection, if you’ve been vaccinated it can help prevent up to 70 per cent of cases,” added Dr Swan.
