News

The 2025 winter season is fast approaching. The influenza vaccine is recommended now for protection during the peak influenza season – typically June to September. International trends show the possibility of high influenza activity in 2025 and increased influenza B which can have a greater impact on children and older people.

The NSW respiratory surveillance report is a great way to keep track of current virus activity levels in the community, including the latest data on respiratory illness notifications specific to your local area.

How can general practitioners prepare?

General practitioners are encouraged to plan ahead by:

• Actively promoting and encouraging influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations where appropriate. Doctors are trusted providers, and your recommendations are highly valued.
• Participating in the Practice Incentives Program (PIP) Quality Improvement (QI) Incentive influenza practice audits.
• Actively checking the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) of your patients for other vaccinations that may be due.
• Conducting timely respiratory multiplex testing for people at higher risk of severe illness, to facilitate antiviral access where appropriate.
• Facilitating antiviral treatment:
  • oseltamivir (Tamiflu) where appropriate and
  • oral COVID-19 antiviral medicines which remain accessible through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

• Using the Pre-assessment action plan for respiratory infections for people at higher risk of severe disease and the Pre-assessment action plan for respiratory infections in aged care facility residents to support timely management of respiratory illnesses.
• Referring to the 2025 Respiratory Illness Campaign Communication toolkit for stakeholders and sharing these resources with patients and for display in practices.
• Referring to ATAGI’s statements for seasonal influenza and COVID-19 for information on latest recommendations for vaccination.
• Referring to the Australian Government Table on Specified medical conditions associated with increased risk of influenza disease and severe outcomes for eligibility under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

NSW Health’s key respiratory illness campaign messages

NSW Health will be running a campaign advising the community to make a plan with their doctor if they are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza about what to do if they get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if they are eligible for antiviral medicines.

Additional resources

• Influenza Vaccination Program 2025: for immunisation providers
• NSW Health 2025 Influenza Vaccination Provider Toolkit
• Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation for health professionals webpage
• AusVaxSafety for vaccine safety data.
• Watch the Influenza vaccination update webinar prepared by NSW Health and NCIRS to help immunisation providers with the delivery of the influenza program.
• Resources for the general public, Aboriginal people and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
• Free campaign materials are also available for order through the Better Health Centre.