Overview

• Flu vaccination rates in Australia have dropped dramatically, with only 8.2% of adults aged 15–50, 28% of children under five, and 32.5% of seniors vaccinated so far in 2025.
• Over 71,000 flu cases have been reported since January 1, marking a 50% increase compared to the same period in 2024, and 84 deaths have been confirmed in the first quarter.
• Experts warn that the low vaccination rates could lead to a severe flu season, particularly endangering vulnerable groups such as young children, seniors, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
• Barriers to vaccination, including cost, inconvenience, access issues, and post-pandemic disengagement, continue to hinder uptake despite free flu shots for priority groups under the National Immunisation Program.
• The severity of the upcoming flu season remains uncertain, as experts monitor which virus subtypes may dominate during the winter months.