Queensland Faces Severe Flu Season with Cases Surging 20% in 2025

Queensland is grappling with one of its most severe flu seasons in recent history, as influenza cases have surged nearly 20 percent higher than the previous year. As of now, the state has recorded an alarming 2,800 cases in just the last week, marking the highest weekly total for 2025. This uptick in cases comes amidst widespread concerns over vaccination rates, which have not seen the anticipated improvement despite government initiatives.

According to Dr. Stephen Lambert, a senior medical officer at the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS), there is a genuine risk of even higher case numbers following the school holidays, which will facilitate the virus's spread among children. "Kids are all heading back to school in a couple of weeks, which will give them the opportunity to spread influenza," Dr. Lambert stated. He noted that while the previous year saw significantly lower case numbers, the current trajectory suggests a potential surge in hospitalizations as well.

The gravity of the situation is underscored by the fact that 80 Queenslanders have died from influenza so far this year. Queensland Health reports that approximately 300 hospital beds are occupied daily due to flu-related admissions. Of the 3,000 individuals hospitalized in 2025, an alarming 92 percent were unvaccinated, raising significant public health concerns.

Despite the Queensland government’s efforts to offer free flu vaccinations since 2022, vaccination rates remain among the lowest in Australia. Data from NCIRS shows that only 16 percent of children under five have received their flu vaccine this year, with rates for older children similarly dismal at 11.5 percent for those aged five to 15. Dr. Paul Griffin, director of infectious diseases at Mater Hospital, emphasized that misconceptions about the flu's severity lead to this low vaccine uptake. "Many people mistakenly believe that flu primarily affects older adults or those with pre-existing conditions. This is a dangerous misconception," Dr. Griffin explained.

The state has invested $25 million into its vaccination program this year, extending its outreach to curb the declining numbers. However, Dr. Lambert expressed concerns that the message about free vaccines is not reaching the broader community effectively. "I suspect there’s an element of vaccine fatigue post-pandemic, and some complacency regarding the seriousness of influenza has developed," he said.

Additionally, misinformation surrounding vaccines has contributed to hesitancy among the population. Dr. Lambert pointed out that a small yet vocal anti-vaccination group has been effective in disseminating misleading information. "They are very energized and can impact those who may be undecided about vaccination," he noted.

The continuing decline in vaccination rates is alarming, particularly as the flu season progresses. In 2022, 36 percent of Queenslanders were vaccinated, a figure that dropped to 29 percent by 2024. If these trends continue, experts warn of significant public health ramifications as the flu season intensifies.

As Queensland enters the peak of its flu season, health experts are urging the public to consider the benefits of vaccination as a crucial measure to mitigate the spread of the virus. Dr. Griffin concluded, "Vaccination remains one of the most effective public health interventions we have. It is crucial that we dispel the myths and encourage everyone to get vaccinated, especially those in vulnerable populations."