Experts urge Australians to get vaccinated against highly contagious flu variant

Infectious disease experts warn to get vaccinated to avoid a repeat of last year’s severe outbreak in Australia, as the fast-spreading 'Super-K' variant threatens to worsen the situation this year.

FILE - A pharmacist gives a patient a flu shot in Miami on Sept. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Daniel Kozin, File) Source: AP / Daniel Kozin/AP

Key Points

• The 'Super-K flu variant spreads rapidly and is highly contagious.
• In 2025, flu cases in the country surged past 500,000, and more than 24,000 cases have already been recorded this year even before peak season.
• People aged 50 and above are most vulnerable and face a higher risk of severe illness.
• A total of 1,738 deaths were recorded in Australia in 2025, marking the deadliest flu season on record.
• A vaccine against the 'Super-K' variant is available, and experts urge vaccination in April and May ahead of the winter peak.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Experts urge Australians to get vaccinated against highly contagious flu variant

SBS Filipino

05:30Filipino

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