Pharmacy Daily | Flu complications peaking in over 65s

ADULTS aged 65 and above continue to suffer from disproportionately high rates of hospitalisation and death from influenza, with pharmacists urged to remind older patients to get their free flu vaccine.

So far this year, people in this age window have recorded more than 18,000 lab-confirmed cases of flu and 373 hospitalisations, making the condition an ongoing major public health issue.

At the Communicable Diseases and Immunisation Conference (CDIC) in Adelaide, a panel discussion on the past, present and future of flu protection for older adults featured Professor Adrian Esterman, Professor Paul Van Buynder, Dr Leanne Jones and Dr Shevaun Drislane.

One key point covered was the impact of immunosenescence, also known as age-related immunity decline, with the panel agreeing it puts older adults at greater risk of complications from influenza.

University of WA Vaccination Social Scientist, Dr Shevaun Drislane, said expanding and strengthening the Australian Influenza Program would protect successful elements and clear a path to find ways to improve.

"We continue to see patients say that a recommendation from their healthcare professional is the biggest factor influencing their decision to get a flu vaccine," Dr Drislane said.

"So, I really encourage people to keep making that recommendation to your older patients.

"We know that around two-thirds of older adults see the importance, value and need for influenza vaccination so the task for professionals is to reach that remaining third," she added.

Potential complications arising from immunosenescence include an increase in the risk of pneumonia and death and further increasing the danger of heart attack and stroke in the first two weeks.

University of South Australia Epidemiologist Professor Adrian Esterman said Influenza A may play a role in more than 1,000 deaths each year, with over 65s five times more likely to need hospital treatment compared to those aged between 50 and 64.

Professor Esterman said vaccination coverage among people in this age group is currently at 53.2%, which is higher than other age groups but still well down on the post-pandemic high of 70% seen in 2022. ML