The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is stepping up calls for patients to get a flu vaccination ahead of the peak influenza months.
It comes following experts warning of low vaccination rates across the nation. Despite being eligible for free flu vaccinations, only 32.5% of patients aged over 65, and fewer than one in three children, have been vaccinated so far in 2025. Already, there have been more than 71,000 lab-confirmed flu cases reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS).
RACGP President, Dr Michael Wright, said that now was the time to get vaccinated.
"The flu must be taken seriously, and these low vaccination rates should be ringing alarm bells," he said.
"Earlier this year, we called for action following more than 46,000 lab-confirmed flu cases, a 50% spike compared to the same period last year. We're also seeing an alarming fall in vaccination rates nationwide compared to previous years, as well as for other respiratory diseases including COVID-19 and whooping cough. I urge all Australians to keep in mind that the flu can not only land you in hospital, but take your life, and it must be taken seriously.
"We've already seen a very early start to the flu season, and we're set to see a surge in flu and other respiratory diseases in the coming winter months. So, now is the perfect time to get vaccinated. It's a decision that could save your life."
Dr Wright reiterated calls for patients to help keep their community safe and urged state and territory governments to follow the lead of Queensland and Western Australia and institute free flu vaccination programs.
"The number one step people can take to help keep themselves, their family, and their community safe, is to get vaccinated. Influenza is a serious illness, and the vaccine save lives," he said.
"Boosting flu vaccination rates for all patients aged over six months of age will make all the difference and please remember that the jab is free of charge for higher risk patients under the National Immunisation Program. The Queensland and Western Australian Governments are offering free flu vaccines to all patients, and at a time of high cost-of-living pressures, I urge the other states and territories to follow suit.
"Unless we're prepared, our health system will come under tremendous strain, including our hospitals potentially being pushed to the brink. It was a huge influenza season in the northern hemisphere over Christmas with some United Kingdom hospitals overwhelmed. The United States also had its largest flu season since 2009 when we had the swine flu pandemic.
"Please be patient when trying to book in your vaccination with your regular GP clinic. Practice team members, including reception staff, will be doing their best to get you vaccinated as soon as they can, so I urge all patients to be courteous and respectful.
"Spread the word – the flu is a serious illness, and this year is looking especially dire, so get vaccinated right away."
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