Decision details

Moved by Councillor Ellsmore, seconded by Councillor Gannon –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         vaccines are an essential public health measure to prevent the spread of preventable disease;

(ii)        since Covid, the rates of people getting a flu shot (i.e. influenza immunisation rates) have been dropping. Other rates of immunisation have also been dropping;

(iii)       with the percentage of Australians getting a flu vaccination dropping, Australia is experiencing higher rates of people contracting the flu. Last year (2024) a record 351,000 people contracted the flu, including with increased hospitalisations;

(iv)       Council provides or supports a range of public health and safety programs, including collaborating with NSW Health and groups who provide free or low cost vaccinations to vulnerable groups; and

(v)        Council currently offers free flu vaccinations to its staff;

(B)       Council further note:

(i)         the Immunisation Coalition is a small non-government organisation which promotes awareness of vaccines and the diseases they prevent. They collaborate with public health organisations and with other groups who are working to prevent vaccine hesitancy; and

(ii)        the Immunisation Coalition runs ‘National Immunisation Week’ each year in April, to encourage awareness of the vaccines, but flu vaccines in particular, ahead of flu season. They collaborate with local councils to provide a day of free vaccinations. This year the Sydney free vaccination event was held near Central Station. The Melbourne event was held in Melbourne Town Hall. The Adelaide event was held in Adelaide Town Hall; and

(C)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to consider opportunities to promote next year’s ‘National Immunisation Week’, and report back to Council through the CEO Update.

Carried unanimously.

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