Flu cases in SA already up by 550 – experts warn get vaxed now

South Australians, particularly those at-risk, are being urged to get vaccinated now, with 550 more cases of influenza reported so far this year compared to the same time last year.

The Australian influenza season typically runs from May to October, peaking in August, however the 2025 season looks to have arrived sooner and with greater intensity.

National data shows there have been 40,985 confirmed cases of influenza reported across the nation so far this year. This is more than the number of cases reported in quarter one last year (30,494) despite 2024 recording the highest number of influenza cases since surveillance began in 2001.*

National Pharmacies Chief Pharmacist Bec Rogers said that in South Australia there have been 2,025 influenza cases reported to date (15.03.25), compared to 1,469 this time last year.**

Ms Rogers said National Pharmacies’ South Australian stores had received the first supplies of flu vaccines – including the free flu vaccine specifically for people aged 65 and over.

“With influenza vaccines now delivered, National Pharmacies is urging South Australians, especially those aged 65 and over, not to wait any longer and book in for a vaccination now,” Ms Rogers said.

“These vaccines boost the body’s immune response, offering enhanced protection against influenza and a lower rate of complications in this at-risk age group, helping to lower hospital admissions and severe health issues.”

Ms Rogers said other tips to consider with influenza vaccination are:

• The flu vaccine takes around two weeks to provide full coverage.

• So, the best time to get vaccinated is before, or just as the flu season starts.

• There's no flu-Covid combo vaccine yet, so double-check when you last got your Covid booster.

• It’s also a good time to audit your immunization history to make sure you’re covered, particularly for Shingles for over 65s and Whooping Cough for those expecting babies in the family. “Vaccination is the best protection against the severe consequences of influenza,” said Ms Rogers. “We have flu vaccines available and ready to go across our 32 pharmacies in metro Adelaide and regional SA (Port Pirie, Port Lincoln and Victor Harbor),” Ms Rogers said.

Under the National Immunisation Program, free influenza vaccines are available for at-risk people via participating community pharmacies, like National Pharmacies. This includes people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, First Nations peoples and people with certain pre-existing health conditions.

For more information visit https://www.nationalpharmacies.com.au/health-services/vaccinations/

* Department of Health and Aged care, National Communicable Disease Surveillance Dashboard

** SA Health Communicable Diseases Control Branch Weekly Report.