The vaccination rates against influenza in Australia are causing concern among health experts, especially as new data indicates the start of the winter flu season.

Since mid-May, there has been a rise in flu cases across most parts of the country, following a previous peak earlier in the year that had stabilized recently.

At the same time, COVID-19 infections are increasing, and cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been steadily rising since the beginning of 2025.

According to Phillip Britton, an infectious diseases physician at The Children's Hospital at Westmead, there has been an uptick in flu cases in the southern and eastern states of Australia, indicating the start of the flu season.

So far in 2025, over 109,000 cases of flu have been reported, with most occurring in children under 10 years old.

Flu vaccines are recommended from April each year in preparation for the peak flu season, typically from June to September. Despite the recommendation for everyone aged six months and older to get vaccinated, only a quarter of Australians have received a flu shot this year.

Among children aged six months to five years, who are at higher risk of severe complications from influenza, only 15.9% have been immunized, raising concerns among health experts.

The low uptake of flu vaccines is also mirrored in other at-risk groups, with just over half of Australians over 65 receiving a flu jab this year.

Furthermore, vaccination rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have declined across all age groups, adding to the worries expressed by Australian Medical Association president Danielle McMullen.

On average, seasonal flu leads to 3,500 deaths and 18,000 hospitalizations each year, highlighting the importance of vaccination.

Dr. McMullen also expressed alarm over the reduction in COVID-19 booster rates this year compared to last year, emphasizing the need for regular boosters to protect against severe illness.

Health experts have noted that the new NB.1.8.1 COVID variant appears to be more infectious and slightly immune evasive, potentially contributing to the recent increase in COVID cases.

Vaccine fatigue and complacency towards the flu have been identified as reasons for the low vaccination rates, with some parents expressing distress over vaccinating their children and facing barriers related to access and cost.

The federal government recently announced a new immunization plan to address declining childhood vaccination rates, aiming to increase immunization uptake over the next five years by reducing vaccine hesitancy and improving access.

While many more people intend to get a yearly flu vaccine, there is a significant gap between intention and action among adults, indicating the need for increased awareness and accessibility.

Health experts recommend taking preventive measures such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and staying home when sick to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.