Australia is currently facing a significant public health concern, as recent data indicates that more individuals are dying from influenza than from COVID-19. This troubling shift has prompted experts to advocate for heightened awareness and action surrounding flu vaccinations, especially for high-risk populations.
Michael Wright, the president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, stressed the critical role of the flu vaccine in preventing illness. He stated, “If fewer people receive the influenza vaccination, more people end up getting sick,” underscoring a growing trend of vaccine complacency among Australians that has coincided with rising influenza-related deaths.
Official figures show that in August 2025, there were 265 recorded deaths from or associated with influenza, compared to 195 deaths related to COVID-19. This marks a concerning first since February 2020, when no COVID-19 deaths had been reported in Australia, highlighting how influenza-related fatalities have now surpassed those caused by the coronavirus. Additionally, the current flu season has yielded over 410,000 laboratory-confirmed cases, setting a new record.
Children are among the most impacted, representing more than 10% of reported flu cases in those under five years old. Alarmingly, only 25% of children in this age group received the flu vaccine in 2025, and vaccination rates in older at-risk populations have been declining as well.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has reported a rise in deaths due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) over the past two years, contrasting with a decline in COVID-19 deaths. Wright attributed this worrying trend, in part, to misinformation surrounding the safety of COVID-19 vaccines but emphasized that the immediate focus should be on reversing the drop in vaccination rates.
Wright characterized the current health situation as a “wake-up call,” advocating for the flu vaccine’s proven effectiveness and safety. He encouraged individuals with any questions or concerns regarding vaccines to consult their general practitioners for informed advice.
As communities grapple with the escalating threat of influenza, prioritizing vaccination and health education becomes vital to reducing risks. This proactive stance not only safeguards individual health but also bolsters public health resilience throughout Australia, paving the way for a healthier future for all its citizens.