This World Immunisation Week (24 – 30 April) Lung Foundation Australia is urging Australians to take vaccination seriously and play their part in stopping rates of influenza soaring this winter.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said Australia’s adult vaccination rates were patchy compared globally.
“While Australia is considered a leader in child vaccination rates, we have a lot of work to do to see our adult rates considered the same,” he said.
“Respiratory illnesses that are greatly reduced by vaccinations are still a leading cause of avoidable hospitalisations for adults which costs our healthcare system billions each year.”
“Last year was our worst influenza season on record and this year is looking much the same. We’re asking the community to help turn it around in 2025 by encouraging family and friends to, at the bare minimum, get their annual flu jab. It is affordable – free for many groups – safe and the most powerful way to protect against illness this flu season.”
If unsure about which vaccinations to get, Lung Foundation Australia encouraged people see their GP or local pharmacist to find out what vaccinations they were eligible or due for.
With a new 5-year National Immunisation Strategy for Australia due this year, Lung Foundation Australia expect that clear, actionable adult vaccination targets will be included to make it easier for rates to be turned around.
“We are calling on the Federal Government to implement adult vaccination targets, for Australians living with lung disease to be recognised as a priority population for vaccination access and for clinically recommended vaccinations to be free to consumers,” Mr Brooke said.
“We know that in 2024 only 60% of adults aged 65 and over got their influenza vaccination. This sub-optimal rate is replicated across COVID-19 and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccinations too. There are many reasons why people don’t get vaccinated including costs and confusion about recommendations.”
“With more of the community vaccinated we can decrease the risk of preventable hospitalisations and emergency department trips for Australians living with lung disease.”
Lung Foundation Australia surveyed more than 3,300 Australians in 2024 with 83% agreeing there should be national targets for adult vaccination coverage. Similarly, 87% agreed that adult vaccinations improve the health of our population.
For Anita Demchenko it was a severe case of influenza resulting in hospitalisation from breathing difficulties that made getting vaccinated a non-negotiable part of her yearly health routine.
“That experience was a turning point for me when it came to taking preventive health seriously,” she shared. “Getting vaccinated is such a simple step. The few minutes it takes to get the jab is nothing compared to being stuck in bed for days, or worse.”
Lung Foundation Australia, the only charity and leading peak body of its kind in Australia, enables life-saving lung health and lung cancer research, championing programs so that Australians with lung disease and lung cancer can live their best life. Find out more at www.lungfoundation.com.au
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For media enquiries please contact:
Lani Hepple
0403 831 583
lanih@lungfoundation.com.au