Northern Territory doctors call for needle-free vaccines as flu outbreak takes 14 lives
A major flu outbreak has claimed the lives of 14 people in the Northern Territory as doctors call for needle-free vaccines to eliminate the danger.
The epidemic, which increased in July this year, resulted in 4195 cases of the deadly disease this year.
There were 3299 cases in 2024 and 2776 cases in 2022.
But RACGP Northern Territory chief executive Sam Heard warns case numbers are “undoubtedly much higher”.
“We have record flu numbers and declining vaccination rates,” he said this month.
“This year there have already been 4000 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu in the NT, compared to 3299 cases in the whole of last year.
“The actual number of flu cases across the region is undoubtedly much higher.”
14 deaths are currently linked to the outbreak.
“Influenza cases have been reported in all parts of the Northern Territory and reports have been decreasing since August following a peak in mid-July,” a NT Health spokesperson said.
“NT Health strongly encourages Territory residents to remain alert for symptoms of flu and flu-like illnesses.
“Remember to wash your hands often; stay away from work, school and child care if your symptoms are not well.”
Flu is a contagious respiratory virus that affects the nose, throat and lungs.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, headache, muscle aches and runny nose.
Dr Heard says needle-free vaccines could boost vaccination rates across the NT.
“The (NT) government must commit to making free intranasal flu vaccines available for young children next year,” he said.
“I cannot think of a more sensible and necessary public health investment.
“This is a cost-effective and necessary step to keep young children, who are most at risk for severe flu infection, including hospitalization, as safe as possible.”
The RACGP reports that in the NT, only 35.4 per cent of children aged six months to five years and only 34.9 per cent of patients aged 65 and over have been vaccinated against flu.
“We know these intranasal sprays work,” Dr Heard said.
“Many children are afraid of injections and two-thirds of parents say the distress of getting their child vaccinated is a barrier.
“It is very important to remove all obstacles to vaccination.
“I can reassure all Territory residents that these needle-free vaccines provide the same level of protection; they have been used abroad for years in countries such as Italy, the UK, Finland and Spain and have been extensively tested for safety and effectiveness. Where they have been introduced, these countries have seen significant increases in vaccination rates in high-risk patient groups, which is what we need to achieve here in Australia.”
There are 410,000 laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide; This is a record high figure.
