Queensland Health is encouraging Queenslanders to make the most of the free flu vaccination program as the latest data shows 71,407 cases of influenza have been recorded across the State in 2025, with 85 per cent of those not vaccinated.
Over the past week, 4,146 Queenslanders were diagnosed with influenza, which is an 11 per cent decrease compared to the previous week.
While a decrease is welcome news, influenza cases and hospitalisations remain high and Queenslanders are urged to remain vigilant.
Flu activity continues to vary across regions, with several areas reporting ongoing increases in cases among children under 18. These regional differences are expected and reflect persistent high flu rates in pockets of our communities.
Respiratory viruses continue to place pressure on the public health system, with an average of 237 public hospital beds occupied daily by flu patients.
While flu vaccination numbers remain steady, Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall hopes to see more Queenslanders access the free flu shot before the scheme finishes on 30 September.
“While statewide trends show an overall decline over the last week, we do continue to see high rates of flu in pockets of our communities,” Dr McDougall said.
“Recent data show that vaccination uptake has slowed over the last few weeks, but I’d like to thank the almost 7,000 Queenslanders who received their flu vaccination in the past week.
“We are starting to see cases decline, and while this is encouraging, we don’t want people to become complacent and I ask everyone to remain vigilant.”
Tragically, at least 163 people have died from flu-related illnesses in Queensland this year, including 24 individuals under the age of 65.
“Vaccination is the best defence against serious illness and hospitalisation, it’s still very much worth getting your free vaccine before 30 September if you haven’t already,” she said.
“Every Queenslander over six months of age is eligible for a free flu shot - it’s quick and easy.
“As we can see from the data, flu is decreasing but continues to circulate widely through communities.
“Stay vigilant with hand hygiene, stay home when sick, and help us stop the spread of influenza.”
Queenslanders can receive a free flu vaccination from more than 2,500 community immunisation providers across the state, including GPs, community pharmacies and community clinics.
If you’re due for your COVID-19 vaccination, you can get it at the same time as your flu vaccination.
Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 surveillance data as of 7 September 2025 is below.
Influenza
This year to date, Queensland has recorded 71,407 cases. Of these cases:
- 85 per cent of confirmed cases were not vaccinated.
- 6,864 were admitted to hospital – 80 per cent were not vaccinated.
There have been 163 flu related deaths reported this year (1 January – 7 September 2025), compared with 175 deaths during the same period last year (1 January – 7 September 2024).
An average of 237 public hospital beds across the state were occupied every day by flu patients in the last week (1–7 September), which is lower than an average of 256 beds in the previous week (25–31 August).
Currently, 1,720,703 Queenslanders have been vaccinated against flu (up to 7 September 2025). This is an 6, 959 increase from the previous week of 1,713,744 in the previous week (up to 31 August 2025).
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV notifications are decreasing, with 862 cases notified in the last week, compared to 920 cases notified the week before.
There have been 26,656 cases reported this year. Of these cases:
- 6,802 (26 per cent) were children aged less than 2 years.
- 3,063 (11 per cent) were admitted to hospital, with 1,138 (37 per cent) of these aged less than 2 years.
Hospitalisations have declined slightly, with an average of 52 public hospital beds across the state are occupied every day by RSV patients in the last week. This is compared to an average 61 beds the week before.
COVID-19
COVID-19 notifications are decreasing, with 757cases reported in the last week.
This year to date, 32,391 cases have been recorded. Of these cases:
- 7,631 (24 per cent) were aged 75 years and over.
- 6,090 (19 per cent) were admitted to hospital – 92 per cent were not up to date with vaccination.
An average of 65 public hospital beds were occupied daily by COVID-19 patients in the last week. This is, on average, 17 beds less than the previous week.
Further information:
- For weekly updates on the current situation, visit the Queensland Health’s Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance website.
- Free flu vaccination is available to all Queensland residents aged 6 months or older. More information on the 2025 Free Flu Vaccination Program is available on the Queensland Health website.
- Queenslanders are encouraged to consider a COVID-19 booster based on age and risk assessment as well as an annual flu vaccination. More information is available on the Australian Government website.
- The COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at the same time as the flu vaccination. People should talk to their health provider for more information.
- RSV vaccination is free in Queensland for all expectant mothers during weeks 28 to 36 of pregnancy, and some infants may be eligible for the free infant RSV immunisation. For further information on RSV immunisation eligibility, visit the Queensland Health website.
- Further flu vaccination data is available on the Australian Government website.