HealthThe Guardian‘Now is your highest risk period’: Winter’s over, but flu infections are surging in Australia. Why?
Australia's flu season is running unusually late and hasn't peaked yet, so experts say it's still worth getting vaccinated now.
Influenza cases are rising and yet to peak, with experts saying it’s not too late to get vaccinated
Australia's 2026 flu season is running unusually late, with cases still rising well after the typical winter peak, experts say.
Over 130,000 cases have been recorded so far, but that is 62.6% fewer than at the same point in 2025, and the season has not yet peaked.
Experts say now is the highest risk period and urge anyone unvaccinated to book a jab, as this year's vaccine is a strong match for circulating strains.
Only 30.2% of Australians are vaccinated this year, but this season's jab is a strong match for circulating strains and cuts hospitalisation risk by an estimated 35%.
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