Low Vaccination Rates for Flu and COVID-19 Spark Growing Concern as Winter Flu Season Begins

Introduction

As the winter flu season approaches, Australian health experts are raising alarms over the country’s low vaccination rates for both influenza and COVID-19.

With the country already grappling with rising flu cases and a resurgence of COVID-19 infections, public health officials are urging Australians, particularly those at heightened risk, to get vaccinated to help mitigate the strain on the healthcare system.

However, despite these recommendations, vaccination uptake has been worryingly low, especially among vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.

Concerns Over Low Flu Vaccine Uptake

As flu season officially kicks off, Australia’s vaccination rates for the flu remain alarmingly low.

Currently, only about a quarter of Australians have received their flu vaccine, with just 15.9% of children under the age of five immunized.

These figures have raised concerns among public health professionals, particularly given that the flu season typically runs from June to September, and influenza vaccinations are advised for all individuals aged six months and older.

Dr. Philip Britton, an infectious diseases physician at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, expressed his concern about the current situation. We’ve already seen a small number of children suffering from severe influenza and requiring intensive care.

Unfortunately, we expect these cases to increase as the flu season progresses, he said.

He also emphasized that flu vaccines offer the highest level of protection during the first three to four months after vaccination, making timely immunization critical for protecting vulnerable populations.

Rising Cases of Flu and Other Respiratory Viruses

Since mid-May, flu cases have surged in several parts of Australia, with reports indicating a steady increase in cases across southern and eastern states.

In total, more than 109,000 flu cases have been recorded in 2025, with the majority of cases affecting children under the age of 10.

These figures follow a record-breaking number of flu infections earlier in the year, which had recently plateaued. In addition to the flu, COVID-19 infections have also begun to climb, further straining the healthcare system.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases have continued to rise since the start of 2025, compounding the challenges faced by medical professionals.

The flu season really looks like it’s kicking off now, said Dr. Britton.

We had an early bump in cases that seemed to level off, but we’re now seeing an uptick in cases, particularly in the southern and eastern states of Australia.”

Vaccination Rates Among At-Risk Groups Remain Low

One of the most concerning aspects of the current situation is the low vaccination rates among at-risk groups, particularly children and the elderly.

According to Australian Medical Association (AMA) president Dr. Danielle McMullen, just over half of Australians aged 65 and older have received their flu vaccine this year.

Even more concerning is the vaccine uptake among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, which has declined across all age groups.

Every year, seasonal flu leads to approximately 3,500 deaths and 18,000 hospitalizations in Australia, Dr. McMullen said. 

This year, we are particularly worried about the low vaccination rates among vulnerable groups.

In addition to low flu vaccine uptake, the rate of COVID-19 booster vaccinations has also dropped significantly compared to last year.

Just 26.2% of Australians aged 75 and older have received a COVID-19 booster in the past six months, down from 39.9% during the same period last year.

While the risk of dying from COVID-19 has decreased significantly compared to the early days of the pandemic, it remains a major threat, particularly for older Australians, who are more vulnerable to severe illness.

Dr. McMullen emphasized the continued importance of COVID-19 boosters, stating, New strains of COVID-19 are circulating, leading to increased hospitalizations.

It is essential that at-risk groups continue to receive regular booster shots to maintain protection against severe illness.

We need a clear, national approach to vaccination, Dr. McMullen said.

Having a patchwork of state-specific policies only adds to the confusion and makes it harder for people to access vaccines in a timely manner.

In response to these concerns, the Australian government has launched the National Immunisation Strategy, which aims to increase vaccination uptake across the country over the next five years.

The strategy focuses on reducing vaccine hesitancy, improving access, and promoting the importance of vaccines for both flu and COVID-19.

Challenges and Barriers to Flu Vaccination

While some people consciously choose not to vaccinate themselves or their children, the primary barriers to flu vaccination reported by parents are often related to distress about vaccinating their child, as well as logistical issues such as access to healthcare services and the cost of vaccination.

Many parents feel overwhelmed by the thought of their children receiving a flu vaccine, leading to delays or refusals in getting their children vaccinated.

Dr. Britton believes that a combination of vaccine fatigue, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, and complacency around the flu may be contributing to the low vaccination rates.

Many parents, and even some doctors, have fallen into the trap of thinking that the flu is a mild illness that doesn’t require vaccination,” he said.

But as a doctor working in a hospital, it’s heartbreaking to see children end up in intensive care with a preventable infection.

Dr. Britton and other health professionals are working to change public perceptions and raise awareness about the importance of vaccination, particularly in light of the severe complications that can arise from flu infections.

Free and Accessible Flu Vaccines for At-Risk Groups

To address the low vaccination rates, several states and territories have introduced free flu vaccination clinics for at-risk groups, including young children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

For example, the ACT government has launched a series of free pop-up clinics for children aged six months to under five years to receive their flu vaccination.

In addition to government-run clinics, flu vaccines are available through general practitioners (GPs), pharmacies, and community health centers across Australia.

Vaccination is free for at-risk groups, although some healthcare providers may charge a consultation or service fee.

At-risk groups include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals aged six months and older, as well as children aged six months to under five years, pregnant women, people aged 65 years and over, and individuals with medical conditions that put them at greater risk of severe disease.

RSV Vaccination: A New Weapon in the Fight Against Respiratory Illnesses

In addition to flu and COVID-19 vaccination efforts, Dr. Britton is urging pregnant women and parents of young children to take advantage of the newly introduced RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccination program.

RSV can cause mild illness in most people, but it can lead to severe complications, particularly in infants and older adults.

The RSV vaccine, available free of charge for women between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy and to infants at risk, has already shown significant success in reducing RSV cases.

According to the Department of Health, more than 60,000 women have received the RSV vaccine since the program began in February.

This has resulted in an almost 40% decrease in RSV cases in children compared to the same time last year.

Conclusion: A Multi-Pronged Approach to Respiratory Illness Prevention

The rise in flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases highlights the urgent need for increased vaccination uptake across Australia.

Although vaccines continue to be the most powerful means of preventing these illnesses, public health experts also stress the importance of basic hygiene steps like wearing face coverings and maintaining proper hand hygiene toreduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

Vaccinations are the backbone of prevention, but simple measures like mask-wearing and staying home when sick are equally important, said Professor Paul Griffin, an infectious diseases physician at Mater Health.

People need to understand that staying home when they’re unwell is one of the best things they can do to protect others.

As the flu season intensifies, Australia must work together to improve vaccination rates and protect vulnerable populations from the devastating effects of respiratory illnesses.

By taking proactive measures and addressing vaccine hesitancy, the country can mitigate the impact of flu, COVID-19, and RSV, ensuring a healthier and safer winter for all Australians.