Concerns Rise Over Low Vaccination Rates as Australian Flu Season Begins

As Australia enters the winter flu season, health officials are expressing serious concerns about the notably low vaccination rates against influenza and COVID-19. Recent data indicates that only a quarter of Australians have received a flu vaccine this year, with just 15.9% of children under five immunized, raising alarms among health experts as respiratory infections begin to surge across the country.

The winter flu season typically peaks from June to September, and since mid-May, flu cases have notably increased in various regions, following a brief plateau. According to Dr. Phillip Britton, an infectious diseases physician at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, an uptick in cases is evident across southern and eastern states of Australia. "We are beginning to see an uptick … in essentially all of the southern and eastern states of Australia," Dr. Britton stated, noting that over 109,000 flu cases have been reported in 2025, predominantly among children under ten.

The recommended timing for flu vaccinations is from April onward, yet vaccine coverage remains worryingly low. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) president, Dr. Danielle McMullen, highlighted that vaccination rates among vulnerable groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, have significantly declined. "Just over half of Australians over 65 have received a flu jab this year," Dr. McMullen reported, underscoring the ongoing challenges in achieving adequate immunization rates.

Vaccine uptake is also lagging among other high-risk groups. For instance, only 26.2% of individuals aged 75 and older have received a COVID-19 booster in the last six months, a stark decrease from 39.9% the previous year. Dr. McMullen expressed alarm over this trend, emphasizing the continued threat COVID-19 poses to older populations, despite a general decline in mortality rates associated with the virus.

The emergence of new COVID-19 variants, such as the NB.1.8.1 strain, adds to the urgency of the situation. According to Dr. Paul Griffin, an infectious diseases physician at Mater Health, this variant exhibits increased transmissibility and immune evasion, leading to rising hospitalizations. "The concerning thing is the overlap with the other viruses — flu and RSV — which is a very significant burden of respiratory infections for us to manage," Dr. Griffin warned.

Health experts attribute the low vaccination rates to a phenomenon termed 'vaccine fatigue' following the COVID-19 pandemic and a growing complacency towards influenza. Dr. Britton noted that some parents erroneously believe that flu is a benign illness that does not warrant vaccination. "As a doctor who works in a hospital, it is tragic to see children end up in intensive care … with a preventable infection," he lamented.

In response to the declining vaccination rates, the federal government has announced a new National Immunisation Strategy aimed at bolstering immunization uptake over the next five years. This plan seeks to reduce vaccine hesitancy and improve access to vaccines across Australia, particularly for children and vulnerable populations. The ACT government has initiated free pop-up clinics targeting children aged six months to under five years.

Beyond vaccinations, health officials advocate for continued preventive measures, including good hygiene practices and staying home when symptomatic. Dr. Griffin emphasized that while vaccinations are crucial, adopting basic preventative measures can significantly reduce the spread of respiratory infections.

As the flu season gains momentum, the call for increased vaccination rates and public health measures remains critical. Health officials urge parents, particularly those with children under five or those with underlying health conditions, to prioritize vaccinations to protect against severe illness. The challenge remains significant, but with concerted efforts, there is a hope of improving public health outcomes as Australia navigates another potentially challenging flu season.