Everyone is susceptible to the flu, and the best way for Queenslanders to protect themselves, their families, and the community is to get vaccinated
The state government has announced that all Queenslanders will be offered a free flu vaccination, amid a spike in influenza cases across the state.
Free influenza vaccinations will be available until 31 August at GPs and pharmacies across Queensland.
The Palaszczuk 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.
Influenza B is causing severe disease in some children. 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.
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.
Health experts have told us that this strain of Influenza B is particularly severe, and that vaccination rates in Queensland are low.
Influenza can be deadly – this month – 78 children aged 6 months to 4 years old have been hospitalised this month and only 1 was vaccinated.
Alarmingly, around half of the people who have been hospitalised with influenza B this flu season, are under the age of 20.
We know children are some of the most at risk in our community, so we’ll be working with those health sector experts and the Education Department to make sure we capture the attention of as many families as possible and keep as many kids safe as we can.
For more information go to the Queensland Health website
