Mark Speakman
Leader of the Opposition
Kellie Sloane
Shadow Minister for Health
Gurmesh Singh
Shadow Minister for Regional Health
The NSW Opposition has today called on the Minns Labor Government to commit to providing free vaccines to all NSW residents this flu season, amid warnings of a potentially severe outbreak.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said 2024 had been one of the worst flu seasons on record for NSW with over 160,000 reported cases, and data out of Europe and the US showing 2025 could be even worse.
"We cannot afford to sit back and wait while flu cases skyrocket," Mr Speakman said.
"The Minns Labor Government needs to step up and ensure every NSW resident can access a free flu vaccine—this is a simple, effective step to protect lives and ease pressure on our health system."
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said the former Coalition Government successfully provided free flu vaccines in 2022, a program that was not continued by the Minns Government.
"With a monster flu season approaching, we need a vaccination blitz across NSW to save lives and ease the pressure on our already stretched emergency departments," Ms Sloane said.
"Flu isn't just a bad cold—it can be deadly. Free vaccines mean fewer hospital visits, fewer sick days, and more lives saved. We need to make it as easy as possible for every NSW resident to get protected this flu season."
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh says that declining vaccine rates in NSW in 2023 and 2024 showed that the Government needed to do more to help people access the flu vaccine.
"Flu Vaccination rates in NSW are lagging other states and declined 4.9% last year. In a cost-of-living crisis, the Government should be supporting families with access to free flu vaccines," he said.
Health experts also support the Opposition's calls for free vaccines.
Dr Rebekah Hoffman, specialist GP and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) NSW&ACT Chair, urged NSW families to fight vaccine fatigue and book an appointment with their GP.
"We too often forget just how devastating the flu can be," Dr Hoffman said.
"Australia has been grappling with falling vaccination rates, and we're seeing a resurgence of influenza and other preventable diseases as a result. We can't be complacent. Viruses don't suffer from 'vaccine fatigue' – they thrive in it.
Founding director of the Immunisation Foundation of Australia, Catherine Hughes AM says the NSW Government must act now to provide free flu vaccines.
"Cost should not be a barrier to protecting yourself and your family from influenza, a serious illness that can have devastating consequences, particularly for the vulnerable. A free flu vaccine program ensures equitable access for all members of our community, especially those most at risk, including the elderly, young children, and people with chronic health conditions", said Ms Hughes
"We've seen the positive impact of free flu vaccine initiatives in other states, and it's time for NSW to prioritize the health of its residents by making this essential preventative measure accessible to everyone.
BACKGROUND:
- In 2022, the Coalition Government ran a free vaccine program for all NSW residents in June and July. This was not continued in 2023 or 2024 by the Minns Labor Government.
- Health officials estimated the cost of providing these free vaccines in 2022 was between $20-$25 million.
- 3,417,365 people were vaccinated for Flu in 2022 in NSW. 2,649,895 people were vaccinated for Flu in NSW In 2024.
- In the July-September Bureau of Health Information data (which aligns with the peak of the flu Season) NSW saw 787,590 ED attendances a 2.1% increase and only 61.3% of patients starting their treatment on time – the lowest on record.
- According to the NSW Productivity Commission, making flu vaccines free for all could have major health and economic benefits for our community – saving around 500 lives and $530 million annually in NSW if just 55% of under 65s had the flu vaccine.
- The Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report found that those vaccinated were 62% less likely to attend a GP practice and 56% less likely to be hospitalised.
- Queensland is offering free flu vaccines for all residents from 1 March 2025 to 30 September.
- Western Australia offered free flu vaccines for all residents in May and June 2024.
- The United States is currently experiencing its worst flu season in 15 years.
