The flu season has kicked off with a slow start, and the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is urging everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to get vaccinated. With a record number of flu cases in 2025, the RACGP is emphasizing the importance of vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups like children, seniors, and those at higher risk. This year, the flu vaccination uptake is similar to the previous three years, but there's a notable increase in uptake among patients under five years old, which is a positive sign. The introduction of needle-free intranasal vaccines for young children in some states has been a game-changer, and the RACGP is calling on politicians to embrace this solution. The slow start to the season provides an extra chance to protect our most vulnerable Australians not only from influenza but also from other respiratory illnesses like COVID and RSV. It's a call to action for governments to subsidize free access to intranasal vaccines, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to stay healthy and avoid the stress of hospitalisations due to influenza.
