Australia has recorded more than 46,300 lab-confirmed influenza cases in Australia so far this year, surpassing the previous record of flu cases during the January-March 2024 period by more than 50%.
With flu activity already on the rise, biotech company CSL Seqirus has released more than 7 million flu vaccine doses to support national immunisation efforts and to help Australians prepare for a potentially challenging flu season.
The 2024 flu season saw more than 365,000 reported cases, over 4200 hospital admissions, and 810 flu-related deaths, making it Australia’s biggest flu season since 2019.
With the Northern Hemisphere experiencing a significant flu season — overwhelming some hospitals in the UK and leading to the largest recorded flu season in the US since the 2009 Swine Flu Pandemic — health experts warn Australia could face similar challenges.
“Flu is unpredictable but the data shows that the virus is already circulating and notifications are increasing,” says Dr Jules Bayliss, Medical Director for Vaccines and Biosecurity at CSL Seqirus.
“We don’t know when cases will peak, which is why we’ve worked hard to ensure our vaccines are available to help protect people.”
To prepare for the flu vaccination demand, CSL Seqirus has manufactured an extra 100,000 flu vaccines.
Peter Guthrey, Senior Pharmacist with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), says the availability of flu vaccines is welcome news, especially with the late-season peak in cases recently seen in the Northern Hemisphere.
“Influenza can spread around the world rapidly through international travel, so Australians need to be ready for the potential of a big flu season here,” he says.
“Flu vaccination is recommended annually for everyone aged six months and older and it’s the most important measure to prevent flu and its complications.
“Flu cases are already on the rise so it’s important that people talk to their pharmacist or doctor early about influenza vaccination.”
