Rural doctors urge action on flu

As flu season hits hard across Australia, rural doctors are urging locals to protect their communities, especially vulnerable children and older people, by getting vaccinated and taking simple steps to prevent the spread.

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) says influenza is placing increasing pressure on rural, remote, and First Nations health services, and low vaccination rates could make things worse.

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin said too many people were putting off getting their flu shot, despite it being one of the simplest ways to protect themselves and others.

“Flu doesn’t just make you feel unwell – it can be deadly, especially for children, elders, and people with chronic conditions.

“In small communities, one person’s decision to get vaccinated can make a real difference.

“It’s about protecting your neighbours as much as yourself.”

Recent data shows influenza is spreading earlier and more widely than in previous years, but vaccine uptake remains lower than expected.

At the same time, preventable hospitalisations in rural and remote areas continue to occur at greater rates than those in major cities.

“In many rural towns, the local doctor is also the emergency responder, hospital doctor, and aged care provider,” Dr Martin said.

“When flu spreads quickly, it doesn’t just impact individuals—it affects the whole system.”

The ACRRM is encouraging people to get vaccinated, stay home when sick, practise good hygiene, and consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings.

“In rural communities, we look out for each other, and this is one of the simplest ways to do that,” Dr Martin said.

“Even if you’re healthy, you could pass the virus on to someone who’s not.

“We’re all part of the solution.”

According to a survey by Finder, half of Australians (52 per cent) have not had a COVID booster or flu vaccine this year.

Finder’s survey of 1,017 respondents found 14 per cent have had the flu vaccine already, while 8 per cent have had a COVID booster shot. More than a quarter (27 per cent) have had both.

One in 10 (10 per cent) said they have not had a vaccination yet but plan to.

There have been 184,007 notifications of laboratory confirmed influenza reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System in the year to July 14.

Finder’s data shows vaccination coverage rates are slightly higher among men (52 per cent) than women (44 per cent).

Older Australians are the most protected, with 42 per cent of baby boomers vaccinated for both COVID and Influenza, compared to 22 per cent of Generation X.

“Flu doesn’t just knock you out for a few days – it can lead to serious complications, especially for the elderly or those with underlying health conditions,” Finder personal finance and insurance specialist Taylor Blackburn said.

“Hospital admissions spike every year due to preventable illnesses like the flu, adding pressure to an already stretched health system.”