Morning show co-host Karl Stefanovic has raised eyebrows over his decision to skip the flu vaccine this year.
The divisive comments were made during an interview with infectious disease expert Nick Coatsworth on Thursday morning’s Today show.
“I know it’s irresponsible and I shouldn’t be saying it but I don’t want any more,” Stefanovic told the national audience.
Stand-in co-host Sarah Abo tried to salvage the segment, saying, “You know better than that. We are booking Karl in for his flu jab after this segment.”
Flu vaccines are recommended for all Australians over six months of age on an annual basis to protect against seasonal flu infection.
Dr Coatsworth responded calmly to the comments, suggesting Stefanovis is not alone in his fatigue from vaccination messages.
“That’s a view people will be having, that they’ve had so much health information that they just want to switch off for a while,” he said.
However, the message remained clear from the healthcare professional who reminded the breakfast show audience that vaccines were safe and effective. “It’s an effective vaccine and it will make an impact for the population if we all get our flu jabs this year,” Dr Coatsworth said.
Stefanovic’s comments shouldn’t come a surprise to Today show audiences after the host got heated during another segment last month discussing booster vaccines for overseas arrivals.
“Isn’t it up to personal responsibility and personal choice to some point?’ Stefanovic demanded of the infectious disease expert Robert Booy, who was being interviewed for the segment.
“Do we have to mandate everything? Are we going to mandate every vaccination now that is required?”
Professor Booy said he did not support a vaccine mandate for booster shots but he chose to get his third dose to protect his family.
