Up to 40,000 influenza cases could be prevented in Western Australia this winter if more primary school-aged children were vaccinated, researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia have found.
Fewer than one in five primary school-aged children in WA have been vaccinated against influenza this winter, prompting calls for greater uptake of the State Government’s free flu jabs which end this month.
The reminder has come as reported influenza cases have surged with children overrepresented, causing an influx of hospitalisations and one death.
With current flu vaccine coverage for children under 12 sitting at only 15 per cent, experts say more flu shots would bring more benefits.
The Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccination and Infectious Diseases Director Professor Chris Blyth, based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, Perth Children’s Hospital and The University of Western Australia’s Medical School, led a WA Health-funded study into the benefits of childhood vaccination, presenting results at the 2023 Communicable Diseases and Immunisation Conference (CDIC) this week.
“Our study examined flu infection and transmission state-wide. Looking at different age-groups, we demonstrated that even small increases in the number of five to 11-year-old children vaccinated among had a dramatic impact on overall flu cases and costs, in all age groups,” Professor Blyth said.
“We found a ten per cent increase in vaccination in this age group, could prevent up to 40,000 influenza cases overall, including in high-risk groups such as older Australians and very young children.
“This reduction could lead to public health savings of around 4 million dollars.”
Professor Blyth added the study validated the current WA Health-funded school vaccination program.
“Flu vaccination for school-aged children remains a powerful intervention in reducing transmission of the virus, protecting all members of the community.
“With free flu shots now available until the end of June, I would strongly encourage parents to vaccinate their children.”
Further information about the study and CDIC conference is available at https://www.cdic2023.com/program.
An outline of Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccination and Infectious Diseases research projects are available at Vaccine & Immunisation Research (telethonkids.org.au)