Maree’s hidden role pivotal in protecting community from influenza

Maree Finney crunches the numbers to keep the North Queensland community healthy.

Most would not know her role even exists, but without her work as a public health data officer we would not know if our community was protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, like influenza, rubella, or measles.

In her role, she collects and checks the data from across north Queensland to help public health specialists understand the community’s defence against infectious diseases.

She also works to educate vaccination providers about the importance of accurately recording vaccination data.

This data can be used to plan programs targeting specific diseases or population groups to maintain the region’s high rates of vaccination. 

“My role is mainly behind the scenes,” she said.

“The best part of the job is the people I work with but I would be lying if I didn’t say the role itself was very fulfilling

“I am a bit of a nerd and I love numbers and it is satisfying to check the data is correct and ensure it is in the right format for the systems we use.

“It is also fulfilling because you’re one small part in helping get these kids up to date on their vaccinations.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service public health director Dr Steven Donohue said people like Maree played a critical role in shielding the community from influenza.

 “Influenza A, which is commonly known as ‘the ‘flu’, is a contagious respiratory illness which spreads quickly through the community,” Dr Donohue said.

“Data officers like Maree help us understand the immunisation rate in the wider community.

“This gives us the ability to identify and respond when there are gaps within the community or proactively identify emerging public health concerns.”

Dr Donohue said influenza symptoms were often mild but that some people experience severe symptoms like fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches and fatigue.

“Sometimes serious cases of influenza can be deadly, especially for people with weakened immune symptoms,” he said.

“Young children, people aged 65 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with certain medical conditions and pregnant women are most at risk if they become ill with influenza.”

Dr Donohue said good personal hygiene and annual vaccination were the best defences against ‘flu.

“Good personal hygiene will also reduce the spread of the virus which is why we encourage people to stay home when sick, wash their hands regularly, and cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze,” he said.

“Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your family from the virus.”