Australia’s 2024 influenza surge highlights need for early UK flu vaccination programmes

As the UK flu season approaches, Doctorcall, the longest-standing provider of flu vaccinations outside of the NHS, is urging the public to take action after concerning flu trends have emerged from Australia, which saw a 48% increase in confirmed influenza cases in 2024 compared to 2023.

By September 2024, Australia reported 332,926 influenza cases, up from 224,873 at the same time in 2023, according to official data from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

This sharp rise in influenza activity in Australia is seen as a potential warning for the upcoming flu season in the UK. The prolonged flu season in 2024, with higher case numbers and increased severity, could signal what lies ahead for the Northern Hemisphere, where similar trends have often followed Australia’s flu activity.

Dr Charles Levinson, Doctorcall Medical Director, commented:

“The increase in flu cases in Australia this year is a clear reminder of how unpredictable flu can be. With the UK’s flu season just around the corner, vaccination provides the best possible protection from what can be a severe illness.

Australia’s 2024 flu surge underscores the importance of vaccination programmes, which in addition to at-risk groups should target key workers.

Early vaccination, which is ideally carried out during September and October, significantly reduces the risk of disruption and also of severe illness including hospitalisation.”