Flu season
Qld’s free flu jabs a shot in the arm for coverage, but more needs to be done
Immunisation levels have jumped in just a few weeks, but experts say they need to increase before the free vaccination program ends in two weeks.
- by Stuart Layt
Latest
Low flu vaccination rates for women during pregnancy, despite being an ‘at-risk’ group
Few women receive a flu shot in pregnancy, despite their risk of severe infection and the benefit to babies.
- by Mary Ward
Which at-home hacks to ward off cold and flu actually work?
We all have our go-tos for preventing and managing symptoms, from honey to vitamin C, but one of the best options is, in fact, stinky garlic.
- by Sarah Berry
So, more people are ‘virus naive’. Now what?
As cold and flu viruses return, experts say there are several things we can do to help ourselves this winter.
- by Samantha Selinger-Morris
‘Patchwork approach’: Pharmacists call for simpler free flu shot scheme
During June, the NSW government is covering the cost of flu shots for people who were not eligible to receive the vaccine for free under the federal government’s program.
- by Mary Ward
Sickness ravages childcare sector as it struggles to find staff
Centres say an increase in cases of COVID-19, flu and colds has left them struggling to meet educator-to-children ratios.
- by Madeleine Heffernan
Updated
Vaccination
Free flu shots for Victorians as strain affecting kids drives up cases
GPs and pharmacies will offer all Victorians free flu vaccinations after an early start to the flu season has put the health system under pressure.
- by Aisha Dow
Winter childhood virus spreading fast after surviving lockdown
A winter childhood virus is on the rise again after it developed east and west coast variants and hit a summer peak during lockdowns.
- by Mary Ward
Free flu shots in June for all NSW residents
This year’s influenza season is expected to be severe after plummeting to record lows during the pandemic after the state recorded about 7000 cases in May.
- by Amelia McGuire and Mary Ward
Exclusive
Hospitals in crisis
‘It’s not even winter yet’: Doctors fear months ahead as hospitals fill up
Conditions inside Victorian hospitals are as dire right now as healthcare workers would expect in the depths of winter, as they grapple with flu and COVID-19 outbreaks and a spike in ambulance queues.
- by Melissa Cunningham and Aisha Dow
Tens of thousands of Queenslanders race to get free flu jab this weekend alone
After a few early hiccups, the push to get Queenslanders vaccinated against the flu appears to be on track as thousands roll up their sleeves.
- by Stuart Layt