Queenslanders are encouraged to make the most of the free flu vaccination program before it closes next week (30 September).
While last week saw a promising 27 per cent drop in influenza cases, the virus continues to pose a significant risk, with 2,706 Queenslanders newly diagnosed last week.
Influenza activity remains elevated across the state, and the season is not yet over. Regional differences persist with Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service reporting further increases among school-aged children (5–17 years).
The latest Queensland Health data shows 77,956 cases of influenza have been recorded across Queensland in 2025, with 84 per cent of those not vaccinated.
On average, 169 public hospital beds were occupied by flu patients last week, representing a 19 per cent decrease. Overall, of those hospitalised during 2025, 78 per cent were unvaccinated.
While it is encouraging to see a decrease in cases and hospitalisations, Queensland Health is urging people not to become complacent.
Seasonal flu activity is also expected to rise in the Northern Hemisphere in the coming months, which may affect travellers.
Queenslanders are encouraged to protect themselves and their families through vaccination, as it is the best defence against serious illness and hospitalisation.
The free flu vaccination program ends in just a few days on 30 September, but Queenslanders are reminded that the state funds free RSV immunisation for vulnerable infants and young children throughout the year.
Pregnant women between 28 and 36 weeks can also receive an RSV vaccine which provides protection against RSV for their baby from birth.
The RSV immunisation program is available year-round through GPs, community health centres, participating pharmacists, and some public hospitals.
Queenslanders can get 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 21 September 2025 is below.
Influenza
This year to date, Queensland has recorded 77,956 cases. Of these cases:
- 84 per cent of confirmed cases were not vaccinated
- 7,514 were admitted to hospital – 78 per cent were not vaccinated.
There have been 194 flu related deaths reported this year (1 January – 21 September 2025), compared with 190 deaths during the same period last year (1 January – 21 September 2024).
An average of 169 public hospital beds across the state were occupied every day by flu patients in the last week (15 – 21 September), which is lower than an average of 208 beds in the previous week (8 – 14 September).
Currently, 1,732,463 Queenslanders have been vaccinated against flu (up to 21 September 2025). This is a 5,596 increase from the previous week of 1,726,867 in the previous week (up to 14 September 2025).
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV notifications are currently decreasing, with 718 cases notified in the last week, compared to 905 cases notified the week before.
There have been 28,302 cases reported this year. Of these cases:
- 7,153 (25 per cent) were children aged less than 2 years
- 3,240 (11 per cent) were admitted to hospital, with 1,208 (37 per cent) of these aged less than 2 years.
Hospitalisations have increased, with an average of 54 public hospital beds across the state occupied every day by RSV patients in the last week. This is compared to an average 44 beds the week before.
COVID-19
COVID-19 notifications are decreasing, with 487 cases reported in the last week.
This year to date, 33,593 cases have been recorded. Of these cases:
- 7,906 (24 per cent) were aged 75 years and over
- 6,253 (19 per cent) were admitted to hospital – 92 per cent were not up to date with vaccination.
An average of 45 public hospital beds were occupied daily by COVID-19 patients in the last week compared to an average 52 beds the week before.
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 and young children under 2 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.