Queensland Health is urging the community to take advantage of the free flu vaccination program, which concludes on 30 September. Despite high transmission rates, vaccination uptake is slowing.
Since the start of the year, 67,074 cases of influenza have been recorded statewide, with 86 per cent of those not vaccinated.
Over the past week, 4,481 Queenslanders were diagnosed with influenza.
While this is similar to the previous week, case numbers have increased among children under 18 in Central and Southeast Queensland. This highlights that flu transmission is continuing in our communities — especially in settings like schools, events, and other gatherings.
An average of 254 public hospital beds were occupied daily by flu patients last week, up from 252 the week prior. Combined with other respiratory virus infections, these hospitalisations continue to place significant pressure on the public health system and frontline staff.
Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said currently, nearly 400 hospital beds are occupied daily by patients with influenza, COVID-19, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
“We may be out of the winter months now, but flu is still circulating widely in our communities,” Dr McDougall said.
“Sadly, at least 146 people have died this from flu related illnesses, including 20 people aged under 65 years.
Dr McDougall is encouraging all eligible Queenslanders to get vaccinated before the free program ends on 30 September.
“Vaccination numbers have dropped by several thousand compared to last week,” she said.
“The flu vaccine is our best defence against serious illness and hospitalisation. I strongly urge those most at risk, including children under five and adults over 65, to get vaccinated.
“Every Queenslander over six months of age is eligible for a free flu vaccine, it’s quick, easy, and free until the end of this month.
“It’s also important to continue good hygiene practises and staying home when sick to help stop the spread.”
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 31 August 2025 is below.
Influenza
This year to date, Queensland has recorded 67,047 cases. Of these cases:
- 86 per cent of confirmed cases were not vaccinated.
- 6,424 were admitted to hospital – 81 per cent were not vaccinated.
There have been 146 flu related deaths reported this year (1 January – 31 August 2025), compared with 169 deaths during the same period last year (1 January – 2 September 2024).
An average of 254 public hospital beds across the state were occupied every day by flu patients in the last week (25 August – 31 August), which is higher than an average of 252 beds in the previous week (18 August - 24 August).
Currently, 1,713,744 Queenslanders have been vaccinated against flu (up to 1 September 2025). This is an 8,019 increase from the previous week of 1,705,725 in the previous week (up to 25 August 2025).
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV notifications remain steady, with 890 cases notified in the last week, compared to 888 cases notified the week before.
There have been 25,761 cases reported this year. Of these cases:
- 6,626 (26 per cent) were children aged less than 2 years.
- 2,963 (12 per cent) were admitted to hospital, with 1,103 (37 per cent) of these aged less than 2 years.
Hospitalisations remain steady, with an average of 61 public hospital beds across the state are occupied every day by RSV patients in the last week.
COVID-19
COVID-19 notifications decreased in the last week, compared to the previous week, with 892 cases reported in the last week.
This year to date, 31,604 cases have been recorded. Of these cases:
- 7,482 (24 per cent) were aged 75 years and over.
- 5,986 (19 per cent) were admitted to hospital – 92 per cent were not up to date with vaccination.
An average of 82 public hospital beds were occupied daily by COVID-19 patients in the last 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.