Flu season in Queensland has passed its peak, with both case notifications and hospitalisations trending downward.
There was a further 34 per cent drop in reported cases last week and a 30 per cent decrease in public hospital bed occupancy, signalling a steady decline across the state.
Queensland Health data shows 79,877 influenza cases have been recorded in 2025, with 83 per cent of those not vaccinated.
Flu continues to circulate in the community. In the last week 1,839 Queenslanders were diagnosed with influenza, and, on average, 119 public hospital beds were occupied daily by patients with flu.
The 2025 Queensland free influenza vaccination program concluded on 30 September. Queenslanders who haven't yet had their flu vaccine are encouraged to speak to their healthcare provider, such as their GP or pharmacist about vaccination options, as respiratory viruses can circulate in the community throughout the year.
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said more than 1.7 million Queenslanders took advantage of the free influenza vaccination program this year.
“Vaccination remains the best defence against serious illness and hospitalisation,” Dr McDougall said.
“I want to thank everyone who took part in the free flu vaccination program as it helped stop the spread and reduce this season’s impact on our hospitals and health services.
“While numbers are decreasing, flu is still circulating in the community. Please continue to wash your hands, stay home when sick, and help stop the spread of influenza and other acute respiratory viruses.”
Dr McDougall said Queensland Health will be introducing the Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program for children in 2026.
“The $5 million state-funded program will use FluMist, a nasally administered influenza vaccine, that is safe and easily administered to children,” she said.
“The nasal spray immunisation program will be offered free to children aged two, three and four years old in Queensland.
“This age group has been prioritised because they are at higher risk of complications from flu and are more likely to transmit flu to others.”
Hospitalisations for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) have also decreased over the past week, with an average of 50 public hospital beds occupied daily, down from 54 in the week prior.
RSV immunisation is available free and year-round for pregnant women, eligible infants, and young children through GPs, community health centres, participating pharmacies, and some public hospitals”
Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 surveillance data as of 28 September 2025 is below.
Influenza
This year to date, Queensland has recorded 79,877 cases. Of these cases:
- 83% per cent of confirmed cases were not vaccinated
- 7,733 were admitted to hospital – 77 per cent were not vaccinated.
There have been 215 flu-related deaths reported this year (1 January – 28 September 2025), compared with 194 deaths during the same period last year (1 January – 28 September 2024).
An average of 119 public hospital beds across the state were occupied every day by flu patients in the last week (22 – 28 September), which is lower than an average of 169 beds in the previous week (15 – 21 September).
Currently, 1,737,824 Queenslanders have been vaccinated against flu (up to 28 September 2025), an increase of 5,361 people vaccinated from the previous week (1,732,436 up to 21 September 2025).
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV notifications are currently decreasing, with 652 cases notified in the last week, compared to 748 cases notified the week before.
There have been 28,984 cases reported this year. Of these cases:
- 7,298 (25 per cent) were children aged less than 2 years
- 3,311 (11 per cent) were admitted to hospital, with 1,235 (37 per cent) of these aged less than 2 years.
An average of 50 public hospital beds across the state were occupied every day by RSV patients in the last week, comparable to an average 54 beds the week before.
COVID-19
COVID-19 notifications are decreasing, with 396 cases reported in the last week.
This year to date, 33,998 cases have been recorded. Of these cases:
- 7,980 (23 per cent) were aged 75 years and over
- 6,307 (19 per cent) were admitted to hospital – 92 per cent were not up to date with vaccination.
An average of 37 public hospital beds were occupied daily by COVID-19 patients in the last week. This is compared to an average 45 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 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.