Heart checks essential 2023 influenza vaccinations a boost in protection for everyone

2023 influenza vaccinations are available now and costfree for several groups under the National Immunisation Program, including children aged six months to under five years old.

Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said everyone aged six months or older should get a flu vaccine.

7 Easy Steps To Help Fight The Flu

The Heart Foundation has called on the Australian Government to extend funding for free Medicare Heart Health Checks before the item expires on 30 June this year.

Medicare Benefits Scheme data for February shows that nearly 440,000 Australians have taken the Check since they launched in 2019.

The Heart Foundation’s Healthcare Programs Manager, Natalie Raffoul, said the Heart Health Checks must continue.

“They’re the only Medicare-subsidised checks specific to the early detection and prevention of heart disease in Australia,” Ms Raffoul said.

“The checks involve an holistic assessment of heart disease risk factors including blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes status, family history, diet and exercise.

“The Heart Health Check is available to anyone aged 45 years or over (30 and over if First Nations) and it’s currently the only Medicare preventative health check for Australians aged 50-74 years.

“This age group represents more than half of the individuals hospitalised for coronary heart disease each year. If the Check is removed, it would jeopardise prevention efforts in this high-risk group.”

The former Government introduced Heart Health Checks as a temporary item on the Medicare Benefits Schedule in 2019.

As it stands, the item is set to expire on 30 June 2023.

Now, with clear evidence that people in Australia want and indeed expect the Medicarefunded Heart Health Check, the Heart Foundation is calling on the Australian Government to extend funding beyond 30 June.

“The Check has passed the test – Australians have shown that they expect it to be there when they need it to help avoid a heart attack or stroke,” Ms Raffoul said.

“We are optimistic that the Government will keep it available for Australians – but we are calling on Australians to support us to make sure this happens.”

How People Can Help

The Heart Foundation has opened a petition which people can sign.

To view and sign the petition, click here: https://campaign.heartfoundation.org.au/saveheart-checks

From the petition, Australians can contact their local MP to ask for support, or share with family and friends for them to sign.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said there was already an increase in state-wide case numbers since January, and urged people to get vaccinated ahead of the winter months to provide the highest level of protection.

“We need Queenslanders to play their part in helping to limit the spread of flu,” she said.

“In addition to getting vaccinated, I encourage all of us to stay home when we’re sick, wash our hands often and cover any coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.

“They may be very simple acts, but time and time again, they have proven critical in stopping the spread of infectious diseases.”

“It is the single most important measure many of us can take to protect ourselves and each other,” he said.

“Young people in particular play an important role in getting vaccinated as they are considered super-spreaders.

“The flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia.

“It’s also recommended that those over 65 years receive a COVID-19 booster at the same time as their flu shots if it’s been more than six months since previous Covid vaccinations or natural infection.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who was vaccinated last week, urged all Queenslanders to go and get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones against the flu.

1. Get a flu shot every year.

2. If you are unwell, stay at home and avoid contact with others.

3. Wash your hands often and properly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

4. Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. Throw your tissues away immediately and wash your hands afterwards.

5. Try to stay 1.5 metres away from anyone who coughs and sneezes.

6. Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly with soap and water or detergent.

7. Don’t share items such as cups, glasses, cutlery, lip balm, toys or anything that has come into contact with the mouth or nose.

Influenza cases and influenza associated deaths in Queensland from 1 January to 9 April:

• 2022: 69 cases, 0 deaths.

• 2023: 6374 cases, 8 deaths.

Influenza cases and deaths in Queensland from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022:

• 44,436 cases, 90 deaths.