July 17, 2023
All Queenslanders are going to be offered free flu vaccinations after a spike in cases across the State.
The free flu shots will be available from July 22 to August 31 at GPs and pharmacies across Queensland.
The State Government will cover the cost, which is estimated to be between $5-$10 million, for Queenslanders who are not covered by the federally funded national immunisation program.
A Queensland Health spokesperson said there had been more than 51,426 cases of influenza in the State so far this year, compared with 44,438 cases recorded during all of 2022.
Influenza B is causing severe disease in some children.
Since July 1, 78 children aged between six months to four years old have been treated in hospital for the flu.
Fifty of these children had the B strain, and only one had been vaccinated.
Recent reports in Queensland and NSW have linked the B Strain to the deaths of two young girls.
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman met with professional pharmacy and medical bodies on Monday to ensure all could work together to help roll out the free program.
There are no changes for people already eligible for free vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program:
- Children aged six months to under five years
- People aged 65 years or over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over
- Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
- People aged six months or over who have a medical condition that is associated with an increased risk of influenza disease complications
Anyone who has their vaccination booked before Saturday will also receive it for free.
“Health experts have told us that this strain of Influenza B is particularly severe, and that vaccination rates in Queensland are low,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“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.”
Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said he was very concerned about the increase in influenza B cases and the high rate of unvaccinated patients, particularly with school recently resuming and the peak of winter approaching.
“Influenza B is now the dominant strain and causing severe illness in otherwise healthy Queenslanders, particularly young people,” Dr Gerrard said.
“Queensland has recorded 15,039 influenza B cases in 2023. The last outbreak of the B strain was in 2019 when 12,950 cases were reported.
“There have been three times more hospital admissions for influenza B than influenza A in children aged less than five years.
“Influenza B is known to be associated with more severe disease in children, many of whom would never have been exposed to influenza because of COVID-19 restrictions over the past three years.
“It is equally as important for pregnant women to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their babies.
“My message is simple: if you or your children have not been vaccinated against flu, I urge you to please book in with your GP or pharmacist to do so.”
