It’s 2025 and flu season has rolled around once again. It was deceptive this year: the unseasonably warm autumn made it feel as though the cold weather and inevitable coughs, sneezes, aches, and fevers would never come.
But by mid-June this year, the WA Government had recorded over 8,000 cases of influenza—with over 100,000 cases across the country.
And those are just the ones being reported.
So if you’re thinking about your 2025 flu vaccination, there’s no better time to do it than now.
The 2025 flu season in a snapshot
The 2025 flu season has hit us, and it’s hit hard.
In numbers, we’ve already surpassed the previous year in terms of severity. Almost 1,500 flu cases have been admitted to hospital in WA, which is more than double the numbers in 2024. And that’s just until June.
This is due in large part to the low numbers of vaccinations taking place, which are critical in helping to stop the spread and reduce its severity.
Only around a quarter of Australians have received a flu vaccination so far this year. These low numbers will soon have an impact, the effects of which will be seen across homes and workplaces as winter rolls on.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
With such low vaccination numbers, experts are warning that flu cases are going to spike. And the best way to be prepared?
The first step to help fight the flu in 2025 is to get your flu vaccination. In order to support this, the WA Government made the flu vaccination free for all WA residents throughout May and June.
But despite this scheme finishing, it’s still recommended that those in high risk groups get their flu vaccination. These groups include:
- Children under 5
- Adults over 65
- Pregnant women
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People with chronic health conditions
The good news is that people in these groups get their vaccination for free, every year—so there’s no excuse not to get one.
What flu vaccines are available in 2025?
There are a few different flu vaccines available to WA residents, and the one you get will depend on your situation. However, it’s not a case of choosing: your GP or pharmacist will recommend the right vaccination for your needs.
Here’s what’s available:
Vaxigrip Tetra
Vaxigrip Tetra is a quadrivalent vaccine that works against two Influenza A virus subtypes, and two influenza B virus subtypes. This flu vaccine is recommended for all people from 6 months of age upwards, and offered for those who are considered medically at risk.
FluQuadri
FluQuadri works towards active immunisation of influenza A subtype viruses and influenza B type viruses. It’s recommended for use in adults and children aged 6 months and above.
Flucelvax Quad
Flucelvax Quad is a quadrivalent flu vaccine, and used as prevention against influenza caused by virus types A and B. Flucelvax Quad is available for adults and children aged 6 months and above, and is typically the vaccination administered to those between 5 and 65 who are considered medically at risk.
Fluad Quad
Fluad Quad works in much the same way as those above, and is the flu vaccine proven to provide the most benefit for those aged 50 years and older.
I have allergies—can I still get a flu vaccine?
Yes, each available flu vaccine has been tested and considered safe for use by those with egg allergies.
Why annual vaccination is still important
Despite being regularly grouped together, the flu is nothing like a common cold.
When compared to a cold, flu symptoms come on rapidly. You can expect fever, chills, head and body aches, and full body weakness. It’s much worse than the coughing, sneezing, and congestion of a cold, and can knock you out of action completely for a few days.
As the winter months draw us indoors more, the chance to spread influenza skyrockets.
And, each year, the strains of flu circulating in the community change and evolve. Which is why your annual vaccination is so important. The vaccines available each year are specially formulated to accommodate the latest strains.
So even though you had your vaccination the previous year, you may be facing a new strain of flu. And by getting your regular flu vaccination, you’re doing your part to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
Stay safe this flu season with your annual vaccination
As we enter another flu season, it’s important to remember that we all have a part to play. Whether it’s avoiding the unpleasant symptoms ourselves, keeping our family and colleagues safe, or helping to ease the strain on the healthcare system to make way for more urgent cases.
So don’t leave it to chance. Get in touch with us and book your flu vaccination at Brecken Health Bunbury.