Be prepared for flu season 2025

GPs are being urged to encourage greater uptake of the 2025 influenza vaccine amid a worrying downward trend in vaccination rates.
 
Writing directly to health professionals, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Tony Lawler expressed concern over declining rates of flu vaccinations, particularly in vulnerable patient groups.
 
‘Vaccination is an important measure for everyone aged six months and over, and I urge you to focus on improving uptake, especially among children aged under five, pregnant women and First Nations people,’ he wrote.
 
‘I am deeply concerned about the continued declining uptake of influenza vaccines among all cohorts.’
 
The CMO pointed to figures showing vaccination rates in children aged under five dropped from 30.3% in 2023 to 25.8% in 2024.
 
There was also a steady decline in flu vaccination for those aged 65 and older, from 69.7% in 2022 and 63.6% in 2023, to a low of 61.1% in 2024.
 
‘Pregnant women face higher risks of hospitalisation, and their vaccination rates remain suboptimal,’ Professor Lawler noted.
 
‘First Nations people have the lowest reported uptake rates among the priority target groups. In First Nations children under five, uptake was 18.3%, down from 23.1% in 2023.’
 
With these worrying statistics and a flu season drawing near, the CMO recommends health professionals take steps to ensure patients are up to date with all of their vaccinations.
 
The peak influenza season typically runs from June to September in most parts of Australia, with annual flu jabs recommended from mid-April onwards.
 
However, vaccination can commence as soon as vaccine stock becomes available, Professor Lawler explained.
 
‘Given the heightened risks of respiratory disease during winter, please consider co-administration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines where appropriate. Also, take steps to ensure your patients are up to date with all vaccinations,’ he wrote.
 
The CMO reminds health professionals that all vaccinations must be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register, and to complete the new ‘vaccine type’ field to specify the circumstances of the vaccine administered, such as pregnancy or the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
 
The 2025 NIP influenza vaccines will be available to order from April 2025.
 
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