Insights from the NSW Health International Winter Forum, with learnings from Canada and the UK.
Countries in the northern hemisphere have already experienced their winter season, offering an early indication of what Australia may face.
A key message was that prevention is critical. Health systems overseas anticipated significant seasonal pressure and implemented coordinated strategies. These insights highlight opportunities for primary care in Australia to support winter preparedness and reduce demand on emergency departments.
At a glance – what to do now
- promote immunisation early
- focus on patients aged 65+
- reinforce healthdirect as a first step
- prepare for an early influenza peak
What we’re likely to see this winter
Based on data from Canada and the UK:
- RSV had a greater impact among older people, where vaccination was less prioritised, while rates in the paediatric population decreased significantly due to high vaccination uptake, including maternal vaccination during pregnancy
- influenza arrived earlier than expected, with a short, sharp peak
- COVID-19 remained present, with concern about declining vaccination rates
- measles re-emerged unexpectedly in some regions
- transmission often occurred from children to older adults, including grandparents
- healthcare and aged care workers play an important role in prevention, including through immunisation and infection control
Vaccination remains our strongest protection
Across all presenters, one message was consistent:
Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce severe illness and hospitalisation.
Key insights:
- strong recommendation to prioritise immunisation for people aged 65 and over
- vaccine fatigue and misinformation are contributing to lower uptake
- a common misconception is “I get the flu anyway”, the reality is vaccination significantly reduces severity and risk of hospitalisation
How vaccination protects individuals and the community
In Canada, most influenza vaccines were delivered through pharmacies, followed by primary care, highlighting the importance of multiple access points and ease of access.
Read more: NSW Health immunisation information and resources
Supporting patients to access the right care
Up to 60% of emergency department presentations may be avoidable.
Reducing this pressure relies on strong community awareness and clear care pathways before patients seek care.
In NSW, healthdirect (1800 022 222) plays a key role as an entry point for non-life-threatening conditions. It provides nurse triage and connects patients to appropriate services, including virtual care clinics (video consultations), where suitable.
Read about healthdirect virtual care clinics
NSW Health and Primary Health Networks have a role in building awareness of these pathways, helping the community access the right care at the right time.
What worked overseas
Health systems in Canada and the UK saw improved outcomes when they:
Started early
- winter planning and communication began earlier than usual
- early messaging improved vaccination uptake
Made vaccination easy
- bringing vaccination to staff increased uptake
- convenient access was critical
Used clear, consistent messaging
- simple, repeated messages worked best
- some regions shifted language from “vaccinate” to “immunise” to better connect with the community
Shared data transparently
- public reporting of hospital impacts increased awareness and behaviour change
What primary care can do now
Primary care has a key role in reducing winter pressure on hospitals.
1. Proactively promote immunisation
- focus on people aged 65 and over
- reinforce that immunisation reduces severity, even if infection occurs
2. Start early and stay consistent
- begin winter messaging now
- keep messaging clear and varied to avoid “white noise”
SWSPHN is already supporting early awareness through the Immunisation Hero campaign, with socials, posters and billboards across South Western Sydney.
3. Address hesitancy directly
- acknowledge vaccine fatigue
- respond to misinformation with simple, factual messages
4. Support infection prevention
- encourage patients, visitors and staff to stay home when infectious
- reinforce hygiene and appropriate PPE use
Refer to NSW guidance on infection prevention and appropriate PPE use for respiratory illness
5. Guide patients to the right care
- Promote healthdirect as a first point of contact
- Support appropriate use of general practice, pharmacy, virtual care and urgent care, rather than emergency departments
NSW Health vaccination resources for providers
Aged care, workforce, and prevention
Aged care settings were identified as high risk due to intergenerational transmission and the vulnerability of residents. Reduced vaccination rates among healthcare and aged care workers were also noted as a concern overseas.
Workforce illness, including staff attending work while unwell, was identified as contributing to transmission and service pressure during peak periods. Staff should be encouraged to stay home when infectious to help reduce spread.
Improving staff immunisation can:
- reduce transmission to vulnerable populations
- protect workforce capacity during peak periods
- support safer care environments
Encouraging staff and visitors to stay home when infectious is also an important part of reducing transmission in aged care settings.
NSW Health guidance on healthcare worker vaccination
Key takeaway
Keeping people well and out of hospital starts in the community.
Early action, strong immunisation uptake, and clear care pathways will be critical to managing the 2026 winter season.
Further resources for practice – Prepare your practice for winter
NSW Immunisation Toolkit for General Practice
NSW Health guidance on healthcare worker vaccination
NSW Health vaccination resources for providers
NSW guidance on infection prevention and appropriate PPE use for respiratory illness
Healthdirect Virtual Care Clinics