Flu vaccine program brought forward as surge in cases surprises health authorities

An unexpected surge in flu cases across the nation has prompted health authorities in South Australia to begin early distribution of free vaccines in an effort to curb the spread. Key points: Flu numbers began surging in summer, much earlier than expected South Australia is leading the per capita trend, with cases almost quadrupling Free vaccines are being distributed earlier than expected There have been more than 26,000 confirmed influenza cases since the start of 2019, which is significantly higher than previous years. "Normally it's relatively quiet at this time of year for influenza, so this is a somewhat exceptional year," World Health Organisation flu specialist Professor Ian Barr said. Flu cases January February March April 2014 1,425 1,146 1,260 1,067 2015 1,249 1,342 1,966 2,218 2016 1,175 1,969 2,666 2,434 2017 2,744 2,738 2,810 1,978 2018 3,750 3,478 3,173 1,922 2019 6,797 7,069 10,419 1,942* *figure as of April 8.