AMA President and Vice President take flu vaccination message to Australia’s classrooms

The ABC educational program ‘Behind The News’ — affectionately known as ‘BTN’ — this week featured AMA President Professor Steve Robson and AMA Vice President Dr Danielle McMullen with a message on the importance of flu vaccination for children.

Many schools across Australia play BTN in the classroom to students. As flu vaccination rates in children are lower than in recent years, the message to stay healthy, and reduce avoidable hospital admissions is a timely one.

Professor Robson told BTN the 2023 flu season “has been a major issue around the country. It's putting pressure on our public hospitals and there's still a lot of winter to play out yet.”

Dr McMullen warned children about flu complacency after years of COVID-19.

“I know that everyone's a bit sick of talking about respiratory illness, but flu was definitely a deadly, life-threatening illness long before COVID was on the radar.”

Professor Robson told children that while the flu season was here, it was still important to get vaccinated.

“If you haven't been vaccinated, it is not too late, and it's a critical thing for your health.”