Dr. John Gerrard was Queensland’s Chief Health Officer throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. His personal story is intimately connected to the Hong Kong flu pandemic of 1968-1970. At only six years old, the young boy endured an indescribable loss. His oldest brother Stephen died of the virus at just 11 years old. This familial tragedy has shaped Dr. Gerrard’s perspective on pandemics and public health, particularly as he continues to treat patients affected by the enduring H3N2 strain of influenza.
The Hong Kong flu, known as “The Forgotten Pandemic,” surfaced in the midst of this tumultuous time. This outbreak was happening as big events like the protests against the Vietnam War and the Woodstock music festival were unfolding. This COVID-19 pandemic is the fifth in a series of respiratory virus pandemics that have struck Australia over the past 100 years. What we can learn from this groundbreaking outbreak rings especially true as we continue to challenge and fight against COVID-19.
A Family Legacy and Personal Connection
Dr. Gerrard’s personal connection to the Hong Kong flu serves as a stark reminder of the pandemic’s lasting impact. His brother’s death had a profound impact on him, influencing his lifelong dedication to public health. Dr. Gerrard is frequently reminded of how pandemics can change the lives of families and communities forever.
“That’s certainly what happened in the Spanish flu and that’s what happened to my brother.” – Dr John Gerrard
That emotional burden of these memories drives Dr. Gerrard’s mission to promote vaccination not only as a personal choice, but as a necessary act of good public health. He tells us that those who have suffered from a bad case of influenza deeply regret not having been vaccinated. That essentially erases the value of taking proactive health measures.
Lessons from History
The Hong Kong flu pandemic recently underscored how fragile the healthcare system is—even as the healthcare community finds itself in a race for vaccine development. In 1968, Australia had the capability to mass-produce influenza vaccines at the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories (CSL), yet faced intense scrutiny for sending 1.3 million doses to Britain amidst rising public concerns over domestic supplies.
“The ‘flu furore’ of early 1969 related to initial concerns over the availability of vaccines ahead of an expected epidemic of Hong Kong influenza that winter.” – MJA article
As I’ve written on prior occasions, Dr. Gerrard stresses that this is a sign of increased public sensitivity to vaccine availability. This issue re-emerged as a central concern during the COVID-19 crisis. He remembers how planning assumptions became a major factor in creating management challenges for each of the outbreaks he describes.
“They just assumed that we wouldn’t see a big wave of influenza before ’69, which was a big assumption, in retrospect.” – Dr John Gerrard
The difference between the two pandemics is really stark, especially when it comes to death toll. Research shows that retrospective estimates of excess mortality during the Hong Kong influenza pandemic come closer to matching those attributed to COVID-19.
Ongoing Threats and Public Health Strategies
Today, Dr. Gerrard continues to vigorously battle the ever-present menace of H3N2. This strain is most famous for causing the Hong Kong flu pandemic. He stresses that this new strain continues to be linked with serious disease and hospitalization.
“Of any of the influenzas, H3N2 is the one mostly associated with hospitalisation and death.” – Dr John Gerrard
His experiences treating patients serve as a wonderful reminder of how important vaccination campaigns like VAX-2-Go can be! In this short video, Dr. Gerrard reminds everyone just how critical vaccinations are. He cautions that without at least 70% of the Australian population vaccinated against COVID-19 by its projected peak in 2022, deaths may need have been even higher than during the Hong Kong flu pandemic.
“If 90 percent of the Australian population had not been vaccinated against COVID before the pandemic peak in 2022, the mortality would probably have been much higher than Hong Kong flu.” – Dr John Gerrard
Dr. Gerrard explains our current situation is a defining moment in public health, and vigilance can’t stop now. He’s a passionate supporter of efforts to increase vaccination rates, and improve our preparedness for future pandemics.
