Australia is experiencing its worst flu season on record, with over 410,000 confirmed cases reported this year. This figure surpasses the previous high of 365,000 cases in 2024, according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. The surge in flu cases is largely attributed to declining vaccination rates across various age groups.

Dr. Michael Wright, president of the college, expressed concern about the situation. "This is not a record we want to be breaking. We must boost vaccination rates and reverse this trend," he stated. Vaccination rates for children aged six months to five years have dropped to 25.7%, the lowest since 2021. Similarly, only 60.5% of individuals aged 65 and older have received the vaccine, marking the lowest rate since 2020.

The increase in flu cases has been particularly notable in October, with more than 13,000 confirmed cases, representing a nearly 50% rise compared to the same period last year. Griffith University professor Paul Buynder noted that the combination of lower vaccination rates and increased international travel has contributed to the rise in flu cases. "There's a lot more inter-seasonal influenza these days with more people traveling to the northern hemisphere," he said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in fostering mistrust toward vaccinations. Buynder pointed out that many people are questioning the effectiveness of vaccines. "There is despair about whether the flu vaccine or any vaccine works or whether they can be bothered getting a vaccine," he added.

In response to the declining vaccination rates, health authorities announced in September that parents in Queensland and New South Wales would have access to a nasal-spray flu vaccine for children. This initiative aims to protect children from influenza and enhance herd immunity.

The Australian Medical Association has raised alarms about the drop in flu vaccination rates and COVID-19 booster shots. They emphasize that an annual flu shot provides strong protection, with over 98% of the circulating strains in 2025 matching the vaccine components.

Experts are urging the government to take action to improve vaccination rates. Dr. Wright suggested that making the intranasal vaccine, which is administered as a nasal spray, free for children could help alleviate fears associated with needles. "Many children are fearful of needles, which can stall vaccination efforts," he said.

While Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia have committed to providing free childhood intranasal vaccinations by 2026, other regions have not yet followed suit. Professor Julie Leask from Sydney University emphasized that a comprehensive federal approach to provide free flu vaccines for all individuals over six months old would be the most effective solution to address the declining vaccination rates.

In addition to the flu, cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have also risen, with 163,888 cases reported this year, following 175,923 total cases in 2024. Experts have expressed concern over the slow uptake of the RSV vaccine for infants, highlighting the need for increased public awareness and access to vaccinations.