Queenslanders can now book in for a free flu vaccination ahead of the 2024 flu season. From 1 January to 24 March, there have been more than 7,000 flu cases reported, with 713 admitted to hospital.
To combat this, the State Government is backing free flu vaccinations in 2024, as part of a $40 million commitment to ease pressure on hospital emergency departments this flu season.
The peak season for influenza varies from year to year, but typically starts in May and lasts until around October, with most cases typically recorded in August.
Pharmacy Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey says Australians should get ahead of the flu season and get their vaccination now.
“The flu season typically runs from May to October,” Professor Twomey said.
“However, flu vaccines for the 2024 season are available now in community pharmacies across Australia.
“The state government is providing the flu vaccine to all residents aged 6 months and over for free until September 30,” he added.
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles said, “Our free flu vaccination program is an easy way to get yourself covered ahead of winter without the barrier of cost, and has helped almost one million people get protected so far.
“It’s our hope that all eligible Queenslanders, especially the vulnerable, roll up their sleeve and get vaccinated. It’s the best way to protect yourself and those around you this flu season.”
This program is an extension of those that ran during the 2022 and 2023 seasons and saw 912,000 Queenslanders take up the offer.
Influenza vaccine uptake dropped significantly in 2023 compared to the year prior, with just a third of Queenslanders being vaccinated against the flu. Flu vaccination uptake was particularly low last year among children aged five years and under.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman expresses the importance of reducing admissions during flu seasons, stating, “The launch of this year’s free flu campaign follows the free Meningococcal B vaccine for eligible children.
“We hope the combination of these free immunisation campaigns will lead to reduced hospital presentations and admissions this cold and flu season.”
The 2024 Free Flu Vaccination Program, concluding on 30 September 2024, aims to encourage more Queenslanders to get vaccinated, while putting money back into the pockets of families who do not qualify for a free vaccination under the Commonwealth’s National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall encourages “every Queenslander to take advantage of a free flu vaccination, as this may also help break the chain of transmission.”
