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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is urging Australians to schedule their annual flu vaccinations without delay. This call to action comes on the heels of a concerning report of 25,800 flu cases recorded by the end of March.
The year 2025 witnessed a staggering escalation in influenza cases, with laboratory confirmations soaring to 502,972 and an alarming 1,738 fatalities. This marked the most severe flu season on record, underscoring the critical need for preventive measures.
Reflecting on the past year, RACGP President Dr. Michael Wright remarked, “Last year was a nightmare in terms of flu outbreaks. The overwhelming number of cases contributed significantly to the increased strain on our healthcare system, resulting in ambulance delays when hospitals were unable to meet the demand.”
Dr. Wright emphasized the widespread desire to avoid a repeat of such a crisis, noting, “No one wants to see that happen again—certainly not parents, nor the state and territory governments responsible for our public hospitals.”
Adding to the urgency, a newly identified and highly mutated strain of influenza A (H3N2), known as ‘Super-K,’ was initially discovered in the United States in June. This virulent strain has tragically claimed the lives of numerous children, highlighting the importance of vaccination in preventing further loss.
Now, the highly contagious strain has been confirmed in Australia.
Wright called on Australians to ensure they are up to date with their flu vaccinations.
“More than 2700 of the flu cases Australia has recorded this year were among babies and children under five, who are at a higher risk of hospitalisation and complications, whether or not they have pre-existing medical conditions,” he added.
“All adults should get a flu vaccine each year, but for those young children, it’s essential.”
Some states now offer needle-free intranasal flu vaccines for young children.
Needle-free vaccinations for children aged two to five are available at GPs in NSW, Queensland and South Australia
In WA, the intranasal vaccines are available for children aged two to 12.
“Intranasal vaccines provide the same protection as current vaccinations, but replace a needle with a painless spray,” Wright said.
“It’s a smart way to keep kids safe from severe infections, which can have long-term health consequences.”
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