Summary
With the cooler months fast approaching, now is the best time for Queenslanders to protect themselves against common winter respiratory illnesses.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll issued a warning today that flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19 cases were likely to rise as temperatures dropped – but a trip to hospital could be avoided through vaccination.
Dr Carroll said vaccines for flu, RSV and COVID-19 were safe, effective and prevent serious illness.
“Vaccination is the best defence against winter viruses to stop the chain of transmission and prevent serious illness,” Dr Carroll said.
“Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are already circulating in Queensland and case numbers will continue to climb as we head into winter, so now is the perfect time for Queenslanders to get themselves and their loved ones vaccinated.
“Already this year we’ve recorded more than 13,600 cases of influenza - that’s 35 per cent higher than the same period last year, and we’re still a few months away from the peak of flu season,” she said.
Dr Carroll said more than 264,000 Queenslanders had been vaccinated already against the flu this year and it was essential more people received the jab.
“While some might say it’s just the flu, the reality is that people die from flu every year and we don’t want to see a repeat of last year when nearly 200 people died – many of whom were unvaccinated,” Dr Carroll said.
“While most deaths occurred in people aged over 65, there were also 39 people aged between 30 and 65 in Queensland who died from the flu last year.
“Children under five and adults over 65 are among those most vulnerable to severe flu-related complications,” she said.
Dr Carroll said it was essential people were vaccinated against the flu this year even if they received the vaccine in 2024, and they remained up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
“Flu strains constantly evolve, and people’s immunity reduces over time, so they need to be vaccinated every year to be protected against current circulating strains,” Dr Carroll said.
“Flu vaccination is free and easily accessible. Taking 15 minutes out of the day to get vaccinated against the flu could prevent people from spending days or weeks at home sick, or worse, in a hospital bed.
“COVID-19 also is not going away, and we continue to see people being hospitalised with the virus who are not up to date with their vaccinations,” she said.
Dr Carroll added it was important pregnant women and eligible infants and children were vaccinated against RSV to protect the youngest Queenslanders from potentially life-threatening complications.
“Pregnant women, and eligible infants and young children can be vaccinated for free against RSV,” Dr Carroll said.
“RSV remains the most common cause of hospitalisation among infants and young children.
“In 2024, Queensland recorded 11,300 RSV cases among children under two, with more than 2,200 little ones hospitalised due to the virus.
“This year to date we have already recorded more than 2,000 RSV cases and 300 hospitalisations among children under two,” she said.
Dr Carroll said Queensland’s free RSV vaccination program had made a difference in the number of young Queenslanders hospitalised due to RSV.
“Since introducing our free RSV vaccination program in 2024, we have seen a 69 per cent decrease in RSV hospitalisations among infants under six months of age,” Dr Carroll said.
“Expectant mothers who receive the vaccine create antibodies that transfer to the developing baby, giving their little one incredible protection from the day they’re born.
“That’s why we’re encouraging pregnant women to consider the RSV vaccine as well as the flu vaccine this winter,” she said.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Queensland Health’s 2025 Free Flu Vaccination Program is available to all residents aged six months and over. Vaccination is available through almost 2,500 vaccination service providers, including GPs and pharmacies.
RSV immunisation is offered at most GPs and some community pharmacies, maternity and antenatal health services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services and community immunisation clinics.
To date in 2025, 8,519 RSV cases have been reported this year. RSV immunisation is recommended during pregnancy between 28 and 36 weeks gestation. For more information on eligibility for pregnant women, infants and young children, visit the Queensland Health website.
To date in 2025, there have been 12,906 COVID-19 cases reported. People aged 65 years and older continue to be at greater risk from COVID-19.
Queenslanders over the age of 65 are encouraged to get a COVID-19 booster every 12 months. For people aged over 75 years of age, a COVID-19 booster is recommended every six months.