So far this year, more than 22,000 cases have been reported in Australia and Mater Director of Infectious Diseases Paul Griffin believes this year’s flu season may lead to a large number of infections due to the highly contagious Subclade K variant, also known as Super-K.
“Flu is a major public health threat, and everyone should have the annual vaccine, especially those who are most vulnerable and need the added protection it brings,” Prof Griffin said.
“Last year more than 1700 Australians died from the flu – which is 400 more than the national road toll for 2025.
“In January more than 60 people died from flu in Australia, which is around double the number we would normally see during that month.
“This is largely due to the Super-K variant, which is easily transmitted, and also due to low vaccination rates.”
Prof Griffin said last year’s vaccine was not ideal given the emergence of the new Super-K strain, but this year’s shot has been updated to combat the variant.
The Queensland Government’s free flu vaccine campaign began this month and allows everyone six months of age and older, to get a free flu jab from their local GP or pharmacy.
Those most at risk of serious flu complications and hospitalisations include the elderly, immunocompromised people, children and pregnant women.
“Elderly people and anyone with a compromised immune system should absolutely get the flu injection, it’s definitely safe, and we know they’re at higher risk of more severe disease from the flu,” Prof Griffin said.
Also new this year, and subsidised by the Queensland State Government, is a needle-free flu vaccine for children from two to five years of age.
“It’s an intranasal vaccine, a little spray of fluid into each nostril will provide young children with excellent protection against the flu,” Prof Griffin said.
“Children six months of age and upwards are recommended to get the flu vaccine every year, and pregnant mothers should also get vaccinated to protect them and their unborn babies.”
Australia’s flu season typically starts in April as cooler weather sets in and people start spending more time indoors, increasing transmission rates. Cases then surge throughout winter.
“If you get vaccinated now or early April, you should have excellent protection during the peak of the flu season which is usually the latter half of winter here in Queensland,” Prof Griffin said.
Prof Griffin also recommends getting a Covid booster.
“It is safe to have a Covid and flu vaccine at the same time and for older adults, I would also recommend getting an RSV vaccine,” Prof Griffin said.
“That way you can be protected against the more serious respiratory viruses that are likely to be circulating at the same time.
“The RSV immunisation is currently free for pregnant women and young children, and the good news is, in the next few weeks, it will soon be free for seniors in Queensland.”
It takes about two weeks after receiving a flu vaccine to develop immunity which is why doctors are urging people to get vaccinated now, to have full protection throughout winter.
“This year we need to do better and get as many people vaccinated as possible, before more lives are lost unnecessarily,” Prof. Griffin said.
