As of 2026, Australia has reported nearly 26,000 cases of influenza, raising concerns about the potential impact of the flu season following last year’s unprecedented outbreak. The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is urging the public to schedule their annual flu vaccinations after roughly 25,800 cases were documented by the end of March this year.
Medical professionals are particularly anxious to prevent a recurrence of the chaos witnessed in 2025 when flu cases surged dramatically, leading to 502,972 confirmed diagnoses and 1,738 deaths. This surge overwhelmed hospitals and caused severe ambulance ramping, prompting RACGP President Dr. Michael Wright to highlight the urgent need for vaccinations. He noted that a repeat of last year’s scenario would be unacceptable to the public and government entities responsible for health services.
Compounding these concerns is the emergence of a new, highly mutated strain of influenza A, known as ‘Super-K’, which was initially identified in the United States in June and has now been confirmed in Australia. This strain has already contributed to fatalities among children, making it critical for families to ensure their children receive vaccinations.
Dr. Wright emphasised the importance of vaccinations, particularly for young children under five who are at greater risk of severe complications and hospitalisation, regardless of their health status. He called for all adults to get vaccinated annually and underscored the necessity of ensuring that young children are protected, particularly given that over 2,700 flu cases have been recorded in this age group this year.
For added convenience, some states have introduced needle-free intranasal vaccines for children aged two to five, available through GPs in New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia, while Western Australia offers them to children up to age twelve. Dr. Wright praised these intranasal vaccines, stating they provide equivalent protection to traditional vaccinations while sparing children from the discomfort of needles.
In summary, with flu season on the horizon and the potential for a difficult year ahead, health officials urge Australians to prioritise flu vaccinations to safeguard themselves and their communities from severe illness.