The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is advising Australians to schedule their annual flu vaccinations promptly, following a report of 25,800 flu cases by the end of March.
In 2025, Australia experienced a dramatic surge in influenza cases, with a staggering 502,972 lab-confirmed diagnoses and 1,738 fatalities, marking the worst flu season on record.
“Last year was a particularly severe flu season,” remarked RACGP President Dr. Michael Wright. “It significantly contributed to the increased pressure on hospitals, resulting in unacceptable ambulance delays as facilities struggled to manage the influx.”
He emphasized, “No one wishes to relive that scenario—neither parents nor the state and territory governments responsible for our public hospitals.”
A new, highly mutated strain of influenza A (H3N2), named ‘Super-K’, was initially identified in the United States in June, where it tragically led to the deaths of several children.
The presence of this highly contagious strain has now 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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