Public Health experts urge Australians to arrange annual influenza immunisations as soon as possible.
There has been a significant increase in influenza cases in 2025. ITC can tell you that numerous friends have already been laid low by the flu this year.
In April 2025, the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) released figures showing that Australia reported 48,490 influenza cases, a significant increase compared to 30,494 cases during the same period in 2024. The increases are nationwide; however, New South Wales accounted for 38% of all cases.
The Royal Australian College of GPs President, Dr Michael Wright, warned that the flu must be taken seriously, with a potential surge over the winter months likely to strain Australia’s health system tremendously.
“This is a virus that takes lives, and an early start to the flu season is an ominous sign,” he said.
“The number one step you can take to help keep you, your family, and your community as safe as possible, is to get vaccinated. Influenza vaccines are recommended for everyone aged over six months of age, and higher risk patients have access to free vaccinations under the National Immunization Program.
“We know this is an early start to the season and practices won’t have received their vaccine supply from the Government yet. However, vaccinations can commence as soon as vaccine stock becomes available, so please be ready to book in a GP consult and roll up your sleeve.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Vaccination is recommended each year before the flu season starts.
While it’s possible to get the flu at any time of year, cases in most parts of Australia are highest between June and September.
Many people aim to get a flu shot around April or May. This is because protection from flu is highest for the 3 to 4 months after having your shot.
But it’s never too late to get vaccinated, especially if you are travelling to other parts of Australia or overseas.
Yearly influenza vaccination is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over.
The influenza vaccines are free under the National Immunisation Program for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- People aged 65 years or over
- People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease:
- cardiac disease
- chronic respiratory conditions
- immunocompromising conditions
- haematological disorders
- chronic metabolic disorder
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic neurological condition
- long term aspirin therapy in children aged 5 to 10 years.
Dr Wright has also pointed to a drop in vaccination uptake among those with a higher risk of complications.
‘Vaccination rates have declined steadily among patients aged 65 and older, from 69% in 2022, to 63.6% in 2023 and just 61.1% last year, which is a concerning trajectory,’ he said.
‘Children under five are at higher risk of experiencing much more serious illness, so it’s particularly troubling that vaccination rates in children in this age bracket dropped from 30.3% in 2023 to 25.8% last year.
Influenza vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with any COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines.
Dr Wright stressed, “Please spread the word to people in your life, including friends, family, and colleagues – the flu is a serious illness, and this year is looking especially dire, so let’s work together and get vaccinated.”
Book your flu vaccine through your doctor, local pharmacy or Aboriginal Medical Service.
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