Tasmania is facing a concerning rise in influenza cases, with infections up almost 60 per cent compared to the same time last year.
At the same time, vaccination rates have dropped to their lowest level in five years.
Just under 217,000 Tasmanians have received a flu shot in 2024, prompting health experts to warn against complacency as the winter flu season approaches.
National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System data shows more than 600 flu cases in Tasmania so far this year, compared to 399 at the same time last year.
Meanwhile, Australia has recorded its worst March quarter for flu cases with more than 50,000 laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide.
“The flu is the most common illness that can be prevented with a vaccine and the increase of cases already being seen in the community is a serious concern,” said Darren Harris, Chief Operating Officer of not-for-profit Tasmanian health insurer St Lukes.
“A flu shot both reduces the severity of your own symptoms and helps stop the spread, especially to vulnerable Tasmanians,” he said.
With Tasmanian flu numbers typically following three to four weeks behind mainland Australia, experts say now is the time to act.
Helen O’Byrne, Vice President of the Tasmanian Branch of the Pharmacy Guild, confirmed that 2025 flu vaccine stock has begun to arrive in community pharmacies across the state.
“Influenza is a really serious illness that can result in hospitalisation in some cases,” O’Byrne said.
“We know it is already circulating in high numbers in the Tasmanian community and a vaccine is the best defence against this.”
Pharmacists in Tasmania can administer flu vaccines to anyone over five years of age, while younger children and at-risk groups can access free vaccination through the National Immunisation Program via their GP.
St Lukes has partnered with the Pharmacy Guild to provide free flu shots to more than 67,000 members with Extras cover in Tasmania.
