Australia just recorded its highest number of flu deaths in the 21st century. Experts are 'very concerned'
Australia has broken its record for the highest number of yearly flu-related deaths this century.
The nation recorded 1701 deaths related to influenza in 2025, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
That figure was up from 1045 in 2024 and 611 in 2023, and surpassed the previous 21st-century record high of 1656 in 2017.
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"It's very concerning because these numbers don't lie," Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) president Dr Michael Wright told nine.com.au.
"People are dying from influenza and many of these deaths would be preventable."
Flu-related deaths last year peaked in July with 328 deaths before another spike in December with 119 deaths.
“Compared to recent prior seasons, in 2025 there were higher-than-normal case numbers from January to April, a prolonged June to August peak, followed by a slower decline in cases across September to December,” an Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) spokesperson told nine.com.au.
“In addition, an unusual secondary increase in influenza cases occurred from October to December, outside of the typical Australian influenza season.”
In addition, an unusual secondary increase in influenza cases occurred from October to December, outside of the typical Australian influenza season
NSW recorded the highest number of flu-related deaths at 404.
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Victoria followed with 387 deaths, then Queensland with 284.
The unusually high rate is likely the result of record high flu case numbers.
More than 500,000 lab-confirmed cases of influenza were recorded last year, according to data from the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS).
While flu cases have skyrocketed post-COVID, vaccination rates have stalled.
Older people and children under the age of five are at increased risk of flu-related death.
But barely 25 per cent of children aged six months to five years were vaccinated against influenza in 2025.
And only 60.5 per cent of people over the age of 65 were vaccinated.
They're the lowest rates of vaccination among those populations since 2021 and 2020 respectively.
Australians with chronic health conditions like diabetes, lung disease, and heart disease are also at increased risk.
But a growing number of Aussies are opting out of receiving the potentially life-saving flu vaccine.
The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others, Wright said. Nine
"Since COVID-19 there's what you'd almost call a bit of vaccine hesitancy, and there is some misinformation where people are questioning the need for vaccines," Wright said.
"But the best way to keep yourself safe, and older vulnerable people as well as infants and young people, is to make sure you get vaccinated."
The CDC spokesperson agreed getting an annual flu vaccination offers the best protection.
It will be easier for some people to receive the flu vaccine this year.
A nasal spray vaccine for kids under five will be rolled out in Queensland ahead of this year's flu season, with other states to follow.
Wright is hopeful it will help boost vaccination numbers in under-fives and said the best hope to reduce flu-related deaths in 2026 was to increase the nation's vaccination rate.
He urged Australians hesitant about receiving the flu vaccine in 2026 to speak with a healthcare professional and debunked the myth that the flu isn't "that bad".
"More than 1500 people died last year from influenza, so it's not just a cold," Wright said.
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