Doctors urge boosters ahead of forecast bad flu season

Doctors are voicing concerns about the declining flu vaccination rate, saying Australia faces the perfect storm this winter with an early start to what is expected to be a bad flu season.

Flu vaccinations among high-risk groups have been declining in recent years. Last year, only 61 per cent of adults aged over 65 were protected against the flu, compared to 70 per cent in 2022. Among children under five years, only a quarter were vaccinated for the flu last year, down from almost a third a few years ago.

Bupa medical director Dr Tony MacDermott encouraged Australians to book a flu shot this month or in May to be covered in time for the expected peak in June and July.

“There’s been a troubling decline in the number of people receiving the flu vaccine in recent years, and this puts both individual and public health in jeopardy,” Dr MacDermott said.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic slips further into people’s memories, we’re seeing an ongoing trend of vaccine complacency – and this is definitely not the year for it.

“Australians need to roll up their sleeves for the flu shot – it will potentially save their life, and those around them who are at risk. Getting the flu vaccine is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your community.”

Last year was the worst flu season in five years, with more than 365,000 reported cases across Australia and more than 4,200 people admitted to hospital.

“This year is on track to be even worse, with twice as many flu cases already reported in Australia compared to the same time last year, and the flu season starting earlier than ever,” Dr MacDermott said.

One in three telehealth calls to doctors are relating to respiratory issues, according to data from Bupa’s digital health platform Blua.

Dr MacDermott said modelling from the Northern Hemisphere flu season pointed to a very challenging season ahead. USA recorded the worst season since 2009 and many hospitals in the UK were swamped with flu cases.

“The severity of this flu season could result in a very significant number of preventable illnesses, hospitalisations, and even deaths. The flu has already infected tens of thousands of Australians each month in 2025, and that’s before we’ve reached peak flu season,” Dr MacDermott said.

“People are slowly losing the good habits learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as getting vaccinated and staying home if you’re sick. These things are as important as ever.”

Infants aged six months to five years, adults aged 65 years and above, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, and the Indigenous community are the most vulnerable groups to the flu. The flu vaccine is available for free for these at-risk groups.

Bupa expects to provide more than 52,000 flu vaccinations to organisations across Australia.