Hospital pressure shows it's not too late for flu shot: RACGP

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is urging Australians who have not received this year’s influenza vaccine to book an appointment with their GP, warning that a rapid rise in winter illness can tip already stretched hospitals over the edge. 

The call follows a record winter day for Sydney’s emergency departments, with almost 10,000 presentations and 4,100 ambulance callouts.  

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said Sydney’s experience should serve as a warning for the rest of the country. 

“Flu is not the only reason hospitals are under pressure, but when they are already operating at or near capacity, a sudden rise in preventable winter illness can tip them over the edge,” he said. 

“Sydney has shown how quickly the pressure can build. Flu seasons are unpredictable, and we should not assume this year’s lower numbers mean we are in the clear. 

“Vaccination is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect yourself, your family and the people around you. If you haven’t received your flu vaccine yet, book with your GP.” 

Last year showed that influenza does not always follow the usual winter timetable, with cases rising in late October and remaining unusually high into December. Since the start of the year, Australia has recorded 65,837 laboratory-confirmed influenza notifications, with July's reported flu cases (20,607) the highest so far in 2026 – nearly double June (10,709), and five times the number reported in May.  

The figures show the significant impact influenza can have on children. More than 17,600 notifications have been recorded among children under 10 – more than one in four of all recorded cases this year.  

Dr Wright said families should not underestimate how seriously influenza can affect children. 

“For parents, this is not just about avoiding a few days away from school or childcare. Flu can make children extremely unwell,” he said. 

“No parent wants to see their child struggling with a high fever, unable to eat or drink, or becoming sick enough to need hospital care. 

“Vaccinating now could prevent a frightening illness for your child and help stop flu spreading through your family.” 

Needle-free vaccines are available at no cost for children aged 2–4 in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia, with some states extending access to older children. 

Families in Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory must currently pay privately for a needle-free vaccine. The RACGP continues to call on these governments to provide free access. 

Dr Wright said vaccination must form part of a broader commitment to prevention and primary care. 

“Australians can help protect themselves through vaccination, but governments must also do their part,” he said. 

“We cannot keep relying on emergency departments as the first and last line of defence. Long-term underinvestment in prevention and general practice has resulted in people missing out on care until they become seriously unwell. 

“Investing in general practice helps people stay healthy, receive care earlier and avoid hospital. That is better for patients, better for families and better for the entire health system.” 

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and older. Free vaccines are available under the National Immunisation Program for eligible groups, including young children, pregnant people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people aged 65 and older, and people with certain medical conditions. 

Anyone experiencing flu symptoms should stay home where possible, avoid contact with people at higher risk of serious illness, and speak to their GP early if they are concerned or at increased risk of complications.