2026 winter flu surge

The story so far

Auckland recorded its highest weekly rate of flu-related hospitalisations in 10 years between 9 and 16 August, with 177 people admitted to four hospitals with severe acute respiratory illness, up from 125 the week before.^{20 Aug} National infection rates reached a four-year high, the health system came under pressure, and experts said the surge could worsen over the following weeks.^{21 Aug} The outbreak disrupted services and schools: Whangārei Boys' High School cancelled Year 10 classes because it could not safely staff them, and Starship Children's Hospital deferred less urgent cases.^{26, 27 Aug}

Latest

By mid-September, extra paediatricians were being called in as elective procedures continued to be cancelled, with about 70 children with severe respiratory symptoms admitted weekly at Kidz First and Starship hospitals.^{15 Sep}

Key moments

1. 20 AugAuckland records its worst week for flu hospitalisations in a decade.
2. 21 AugNational flu infection rates reach a four-year high, putting the health system under pressure.
3. 26 AugPharmac announces free flu vaccine for under-fives from next season.
4. 26 AugWhangārei Boys' High School sends Year 10s home because of staff illness.
5. 27 AugStarship Hospital defers non-urgent cases amid many children with flu symptoms.
6. 1 SepFunded flu vaccines become available immediately to more than 260,000 young children.
7. 15 SepExtra paediatricians drafted in as children's hospital admissions continue.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.