GP20: New weapon in fight against ‘ignored’ virus Influenza has all but disappeared in 2020, but once it inevitably returns GPs will have access to a new type of vaccine that could help save lives.
RACGP weighs in on future vaccination requirements The college has commented on proposed changes that would compel GPs to report all newly administered vaccines to the Australian Immunisation Register.
‘Fascinating’ pregnancy research reinforces importance of flu shot A ‘drastically heightened’ immune response, not immunosuppression, leads to complications during pregnancy, a new study has found.
Inquiry told GPs should be ‘essential’ part of pandemic preparedness The RACGP highlighted shortfalls in the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 health response at a parliamentary hearing.
Flu boosters unnecessary as influenza all but vanishes Looking for a silver lining in the pandemic year? Flu booster shots are not needed.
Is Australia at risk of a rebound flu season? Social distancing measures and high vaccination rates have contributed to record low cases of influenza, but it could also have implications for 2021.
Evidence suggests pandemic coronavirus may be seasonal Unlike the related viruses that cause SARS and MERS.
Physical distancing and good hand hygiene: Australian flu cases drop by more than 99% There were only 208 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza nationwide last month – compared to 30,567 at the same time in 2019.
Calls to prioritise influenza vaccine for general practice A recent survey found more than 50% of clinics report not receiving enough stock to meet patient demand.
Flu vaccine supply fails to meet high demand Australians have responded to RACGP calls to get immunised earlier than usual, but distribution network delays appear to be causing shortages.