High uptake for free flu jab

Queenslanders have come out in force to get their free flu shot, with vaccination rates increasing by more than 14.7 per cent since the free flu vaccine initiative was announced last week.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the uptake was a promising sign of the initiative’s success, with other states following Queensland’s lead in offering free access to the flu vaccine. 

“I am so pleased to see that the free flu vaccination for all Queenslanders is working in the way we hoped,” the Premier said.

“I’m particularly pleased to see the strong uptake of vaccinations among some of our vulnerable groups, including an increase of 6.9 per cent in people aged over 65. 

“We know getting vaccinated reduces the severity of an individual’s symptoms, as well as minimises the likelihood of spreading illness in the community.

“I want to take the time to thank every Queenslander for rolling up their sleeves and making the time to help stop the spread of the flu.

“I urge everyone who is yet to be vaccinated to come forward and help us get through this season the same way we got through this pandemic.” 

As influenza cases continue to rise across the state, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the uptake was the perfect timing.

“I cannot emphasise enough the importance of getting your influenza vaccination this year,” Minister D’Ath said.

“We would expect cases to peak in August during a normal flu season, however statewide flu notifications have been doubling each week and continue to rise sharply with 4,230 new cases in the past week.

“The current data trend indicates we may surpass the peaks experienced in 2017 and 2019 flu seasons, but also that we may reach these numbers much earlier in this season.

“If you have never gotten your influenza vaccination or took a break from getting the influenza vaccination during the pandemic, now is the time to make the change and help contain the spread of the virus and possibly save the lives of Queenslanders.”

The influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older.

The influenza vaccination is now widely available at GPs and pharmacies across Queensland.

ENDS

Media contact: Martin Philip 0407 675 008