At least 60 people have potentially died from the deadly Super-K flu strain so far this year, with doctors warning the figures will only rise.
The new and highly mutated strain of influenza A (H3N2), dubbed 'Super-K', was first detected in the United States in June and led to the deaths of dozens of children.
Now, the highly contagious strain has been confirmed in Australia.
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More than 22,000 flu cases have been reported in Australia so far this year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
And 63 deaths were recorded in January - roughly double the typical figures for the month.
Mater Director of Infectious Diseases Paul Griffin believes the Super-K strain has caused the unusually high number of deaths.
"This is largely due to the Super-K variant, which is easily transmitted, and also due to low vaccination rates," he said.
This year's flu vaccinations have been updated to combat the new variant ahead of the flu season, which typically starts in April.
But fewer people are getting their shots.
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Only about one in three Australians are receiving their flu shots, compared to more than half before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those most at risk of flu hospitalisations and deaths include the elderly, children, pregnant women and immunocompromised people.
Only 25 per cent of children under five received a flu shot and 60.5 per cent of people over 65 were vaccinated last year - the lowest number in six years.
Low vaccination rates have contributed to the deadliest flu season in a decade after 1701 people died from influenza last year.
That was about 400 more deaths than the national road toll.
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Griffin urged people to get their flu, COVID and RSV vaccines ahead of the flu season as it typically takes about two weeks for them to kick in.
"Flu is a major public health threat, and everyone should have the annual vaccine, especially those who are most vulnerable and need the added protection it brings," he said.
"This year, we need to do better and get as many people vaccinated as possible, before more lives are lost unnecessarily."
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