This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), a monumental initiative launched by the World Health Organisation in 1974. World Immunisation Week, running from 24-30 April, presents a time to reflect on the profound impact of immunisation as a public health initiative across Australia and the world.
A Global Triumph
While vaccines can sometimes spark heated debates, they are universally recognised as some of the safest, most cost-effective, successful public health initiatives in history.
The EPI was borne out of a commitment to provide universal access to life-saving vaccines for children worldwide. Today Australia has the National Immunisation Program, acknowledging vaccines as essential, cost-effective tools, instrumental in the prevention of disease.
The Power of Prevention
We are fortunate to have access to a comprehensive array of vaccines in Australia. In recent years there has been an uptick in the role of community pharmacists, exemplified by their increased scope to administer vaccinations – making public access even easier!
Some vaccinations you might consider to protect yourself and your loved ones include:
Annual flu defence
The annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. The flu is the most common vaccine-preventable disease in Australia and although it is usually mild, it can result in serious illness. Those most vulnerable to influenza include children under five years, people over 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, lung, or heart disease.
Free flu vaccinations are available in most states via the National Immunisation Program for eligible Australians, and Queensland pharmacists are authorised to administer influenza vaccinations for free to all QLD residents in 2024.
Book your flu vaccination online or come in store and speak with your local WholeLife Pharmacist.
Whooping cough (pertussis)
Since November 2023, health authorities have recorded a spike in incidence rates of Pertussis, better known as “whooping cough”, with overall rates of the disease increasing to four times the average since 2018. Director of Infectious Diseases and Immunology from Griffith University, Dr Nigel McMillan, warns that, “We hardly saw any pertussis while we were in COVID isolation, but it’s come back with a vengeance”.
Infants under 6 months old are most at risk from whooping cough, as they are not fully vaccinated against the disease. To reduce the risk of passing the disease on to them, it’s incredibly important for those around them to be vaccinated.
If you are pregnant or have a loved one with a new baby, speak to your WholeLife pharmacist about getting vaccinated.
COVID-19
As variants of COVID-19 continue to evolve and circulate it’s important to keep up to date with the latest recommendations and booster doses.
More information can be sourced here. Alternatively, speak to your local pharmacist on how you can continue to keep yourself protected.
Common travel vaccines
It’s no secret that Australians are among the most well-travelled people in the world, with 7.4 million Aussies returning from overseas travel in the first nine months of 2023.
Some favourite destinations include, Italy, Portugal, New Zealand, Indonesia (Bali), Fiji, India, France, and the United Kingdom.
Some common travel vaccines you might consider include:
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough)
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Japanese encephalitis
- Influenza
- COVID-19
At WholeLife, pharmacists are available to advise (and in many stores administer) which vaccines are recommended for your region of travel and personal circumstances.
Pop into your local WholeLife pharmacy and speak with our pharmacists to find out which vaccines and services are offered. You can also discuss adjunct and alternative ways to keep yourself protected during seasonal outbreaks.
Vaccination services are administered by qualified pharmacists in compliance with state and territory regulations. Service fees may be applicable, and the availability of vaccines is subject to eligibility.
References
ABC News: Health (2024). ‘Spike in whooping cough cases prompts warning from health officials and infectious disease expert’, ABC News: Health. < https://www.msn.com/en-au/health/other/spike-in-whooping-cough-cases-prompts-warning-from-health-officials-and-infectious-disease-expert/ar-BB1hX4xO>.
Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care (2023). ‘Vaccination for international travellers’, Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care. <https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccination-for-special-risk-groups/vaccination-for-international-travellers>.
Gebicki, M (2023). ‘The countries Australians have flocked back to (and the ones we haven’t)’, Sydney Morning Herald: Traveller. <https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/travel-news/the-countries-australians-have-flocked-back-to-and-the-ones-we-haven-t-20231117-p5eksn.html>.
World Health Organisation (2024). ‘World Immunization Week 2024’, World Health Organisation. <https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-immunization-week/2024>.