All Queenslanders will be offered a free flu vaccination, amid a spike in influenza cases across the state, the Queensland Government has announced.
It says free influenza vaccinations will be available from 22 July to 31 August at GPs and pharmacies across Queensland.
The Government will cover the cost, which is estimated to cost between $5 – 10 million, for providing the vaccination to all Queenslanders, many of whom do not fall within the federally funded national immunisation program.
Influenza cases this year have reached more than 51,426 cases, compared to last year where 44,438 cases were record for the entire year.
“Health experts have told us that this strain of Influenza B is particularly severe, and that vaccination rates in Queensland are low,” said Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“I don’t want there to be any barriers to getting the flu jab, which is why I am reinstating free flu vaccinations for all Queenslanders.
“We know the cost of living is a real concern right now, and this will fill the gap for people who don’t qualify for a free vaccination under the federally run national immunisation program.
“Everyone is susceptible to the flu, and the best way for Queenslanders to protect themselves, their families, and the community is to get vaccinated.”
Since 1 July, 78 children aged 6 months to four years old were hospitalised with flu – 50 with the B strain, and only 1 of these children were vaccinated.
The Health Minister yesterday met with professional pharmacy and medical bodies to ensure all bodies could work together to help roll out the free program.
“I convened a meeting with key health experts and community stakeholders and the message was clear – we need to make the flu vaccine as accessible as possible,” said Minister Shannon Fentiman.
“Ideally we want to see the flu vaccination be free for everyone, every year, as part of the national immunisation program, and I’ll be raising this with my state and federal counterparts at the national health minister meeting later this week.
“We also need to see a greater advertising and awareness program as part of the national immunisation program, so people know to get vaccinated.”
There are no changes for people already eligible under the National Immunisation program. People eligible under the National Immunisation Program should continue to access influenza vaccine from their usual vaccination providers.
Anyone who has their vaccination booked before Saturday will also receive it for free.
