Overview

• Lab-confirmed infections have topped 410,000 in 2025, surpassing last year’s record, with more than 13,000 reported in October alone—about 50% higher than the same time in 2024.
• Uptake has fallen to 25.7% in children aged six months to five years and about 60–60.5% in older adults, the lowest levels in several years.
• GPs link falling coverage to pandemic-era distrust and social media–amplified scepticism, warning of growing risk for young children and seniors.
• Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia have committed to offering free intranasal flu vaccines for children before next season.
• The Australian Medical Association says this year’s vaccine components matched more than 98% of circulating strains, underscoring the potential to reduce hospital burden if coverage improves.