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Worrying signs as peak flu season draws near
The RACGP is urging all states to rollout free flu jabs this month to combat a surge in cases and lower-than-ideal vaccination rates.
‘If patients haven’t had a flu shot this year, now is the time.’
As peak flu season approaches, GPs are being urged to encourage patients to get their flu jab amid rising cases and low vaccination coverage.
It comes as the West Australian Government announced an extension of its free flu vaccination program for another month, to the end of July, prompting the RACGP to call on all state governments to do the same.
In WA alone, in the year to 29 June:
- there have been 10,522 influenza notifications – 60.45% more than the five-year average of 6552 for the same period
- 1848 people have been hospitalised – 55.29% more than the five-year average of 1190
- influenza vaccination coverage is 26.1% of all people (versus a five-year average of 33%)
Across Australia in 2025 there have been over 150,000 lab-confirmed influenza cases.
From May to June 2025, monthly influenza cases more than doubled in most jurisdictions, increasing by:
- 145.60% in the Australian Capital Territory
- 133.04% in Victoria
- 131.77% in South Australia
- 129.51% in New South Wales
- 101.88% in Queensland
- 77.59% in Tasmania
- 9.23% in the Northern Territory
NSW Health reports ‘influenza activity has increased and is now at a high level’. In the week ending June 28, data showed ‘an increase of 42.4% in influenza notifications’.
In WA, where lab-confirmed flu cases have increased less than other states, hospitalisations and cases are
significantly above the five-year average, while vaccination coverage has fallen.
RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman highlights the data is trending in a worrying direction.
‘Last year
45 people died of the flu in Western Australia, 12 more than 2023. This year, there have been more than 1800 hospitalisations, 55% above the five-year average,’ she said.
Dr Raman said now is the time to get patients vaccinated and urged other states to consider following WA’s lead to ensure their community has protection.
‘Flu immunisation coverage is down, so if [patients] haven’t had a flu shot this year, now is the time. We can’t be complacent,’ she said.
‘We can keep everyone safer, including those too young to get a vaccine, by reducing the severity and caseload of influenza in the community. That means fewer hospitalisations, fewer deaths, and easier recovery.
‘WA and Queensland have led the way by making the flu vaccinations free. With the rise in cases across Australia, it’s something other states should consider too.’
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