As we head into the 2026 flu season, data points to a steady decline in vaccination uptake across the country since Covid-19, bringing renewed attention to the importance of accessible immunisation services.¹

Childhood immunisation coverage remains relatively high overall, with around 91.5% of one-year olds and 89.6% of two-year-olds fully vaccinated, yet this sits below the 95% target needed for strong community protection.² Despite widespread availability, flu vaccination uptake in Australia remains low. Only around a quarter of Australians were vaccinated in 2025, with data from the Australian Immunisation Register and the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) showing suboptimal coverage across all age groups and declining rates among key at-risk populations.

At the same time, Australia has seen an increase in vaccine preventable diseases being diagnosed. Measles cases rose to 168 in 2025, nearly triple the cases in 2024, with clusters reported across multiple states.³

So why have we seen vaccination rates across Australia decline?

Due to a combination of factors including increasing vaccine hesitancy, ongoing access challenges, growing exposure to misinformation, concerns around vaccine safety, and a broader erosion of trust following the COVID-19 vaccine debate. All influencing decision making. At the same time, practical barriers remain a significant factor, difficulty booking timely GP appointments, alongside cost pressures and the challenge of taking time off work. These everyday hurdles can delay or prevent vaccination uptake, even among those who intend to stay up to date, highlighting the importance of accessible, convenient immunisation options within the community.⁴

Community pharmacies continue to play an important role in supporting vaccination access. Through initiatives such as workplace vaccination programs and in pharmacy immunisation services, pharmacies can help offer convenient, local options for patients to stay up to date with recommended vaccines.

As Australia enters this year’s flu season, programs like Australian Vaccine Services (AVS) are helping to further improve access. With major employers offering flu vaccination vouchers to their teams, AVS connects participating pharmacies with patients actively seeking convenient immunisation services. For pharmacies, this presents an opportunity to both support community health and welcome new patients during a critical period.

Improving access and awareness remains a key focus particularly as Australia prepares for the months ahead.⁵