Lung Foundation Australia is warning that falling school vaccination rates in Queensland could have serious flow-on effects for older Queenslanders and people living with chronic lung disease, in particular chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
New data shows Queensland school vaccination rates have dropped to their lowest level in six years, with nearly one in three students missing free, school-based immunisation programs, including protection against whooping cough. Lower vaccination coverage allows respiratory infections to circulate more widely in the community, increasing the risk for adults with vulnerable lung health.
Professor Lucy Morgan, Chair of Lung Foundation Australia and a respiratory physician, said whooping cough is often mistakenly viewed as a childhood illness, despite posing significant risks to adults.
“Whooping cough is highly contagious and doesn’t stay confined to schools,” Professor Morgan said.
“When infections spread through the community, older people and those living with lung disease, particularly COPD, are far more likely to experience severe illness, complications such as pneumonia and hospitalisation.”
Despite the risk, adult vaccination rates remain low. By the end of 2024, fewer than one in four Australians aged 65 years and over (24.5 percent) were up to date with a pertussis booster. While a booster is clinically recommended from 65 and over, if the last pertussis-containing vaccine was more than 10 years ago, it is not currently funded under the National Immunisation Program, except for pregnant women.
“Vaccination against respiratory infections is one of the most effective ways adults can protect their lung health and reduce preventable illness,” Professor Morgan said.
“Lung Foundation Australia advocates for all clinically recommended vaccines to be freely available, particularly for people living with chronic lung disease who face a much higher risk of severe outcomes from infections like whooping cough.”
COPD affects one in 13 Australians over the age of 40 and costs the health system an estimated $24.98 billion every year. More than half of people living with COPD remain undiagnosed, with over 500,000 Australians missing out on early intervention, vaccination advice and life-changing treatment.
Lung Foundation Australia is urging Queenslanders, especially older adults and those with lung conditions to speak with their healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations and ways to protect their lung health.
To learn more about Lung Foundation Australia and its work, visit lungfoundation.com.au or to speak to a specialist nurse, please call the free Lung Health Helpline on 1800 654 301, Monday to Friday from 8am to 4:30pm (AEST), excluding public holidays.
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