Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional about any health concerns or flu vaccinations before making decisions.
As the winter chill creeps in, so does an unwelcome guest: influenza. This year, Australia faces an unusually early and sharp spike in flu cases, prompting urgent calls from health experts for all Australians to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated.
But with vaccination rates lagging and complacency on the rise, could we be heading for one of the worst flu seasons in recent memory?
Since the start of the year, more than 71,000 cases of influenza have been reported across Australia—a figure that’s more than 50 per cent higher than any previous January-to-March record.
According to Professor Patrick Reading from the World Health Organisation’s Collaborating Centre, this surge is ‘unusual’ and has experts on high alert.
So, what’s behind this early spike? Several factors are at play. Cooler weather is driving more people indoors, where viruses spread more easily.
International travel has bounced back, bringing new strains into the country. And perhaps most concerning of all, fewer Australians are getting their annual flu jab.
Despite the clear risks, Australia’s flu vaccination rates are, in the words of University of Sydney public health expert Professor Julie Leask, ‘dire’.
Last year, only 62 per cent of people over 65 got the flu shot, and just 28 per cent of children aged six months to five years were vaccinated.
This year, the numbers are tracking even lower, with only 32.5 per cent of over-65s vaccinated so far.
Why the reluctance? Surveys suggest a mix of factors: the cost of the vaccine (except in states where it’s free), the hassle of booking appointments, long wait times, and a general sense that the flu isn’t a big deal.
‘It’s the underdog of infectious diseases,’ Leask said. ‘People tend to underestimate its severity.’
It’s easy to dismiss the flu as ‘just a bad cold’, but the reality is far more serious, especially for older Australians. Last year, more than 4,200 people were hospitalised with the flu, and 810 lost their lives.
The risk is highest for those over 65, young children, pregnant women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The flu can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, heart attacks, and worsening of chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma.
Australia isn’t alone in facing a tough flu season. The United States and other northern hemisphere countries saw a dramatic surge in cases during winter, with hospitals stretched and vulnerable groups hit hardest.
While predicting how severe our season will be is difficult, these international trends are a warning sign.
The good news is that the flu vaccine is free for many Australians. In Queensland and Western Australia, everyone can get a free jab.
In other states, it’s free for children under five, people over 65, pregnant women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. If unsure whether you’re eligible, check with your GP or local pharmacy.
Have you had your flu shot this year? What’s your experience with getting vaccinated? Do you think enough is being done to encourage older Australians to get the jab? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below.
Also read: Flu cases are surging—act now with this simple habit to stay healthy
