Vaccinations to boost Queensland flu response

• 2023 influenza vaccinations are available now through a range of participating vaccine providers including GPs and pharmacies.
• The vaccine is free for several groups under the National Immunisation Program, including children aged 6 months to under 5 years.
• Protect yourself and others by getting vaccinated, washing your hands regularly and staying home when you are sick.
• There have been 6,374 influenza cases recorded between 1 January and 9 April this year, with numbers continuing to rise.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk received her flu vaccination today and is encouraging Queenslanders to do the same ahead of the impending flu season.

Following a gradual increase in state-wide case numbers since January, Queenslanders are urged to get vaccinated ahead of the winter months to provide the highest level of protection during the peak, usually around August.

More than 6,300 influenza cases were recorded between 1 January and 9 April 2023.

There were only 69 influenza cases during that same period last year.

Vaccines are available from a range of primary care immunisation providers, with several cohorts able to access free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program.

More information is available here.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:

“I urge all Queenslanders to go and get vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones against the flu.

“Because the flu strains change every year, it’s important to get the flu shot every year.

“Queensland has already seen a steady rise in the flu cases across the state and getting vaccinated now provides the best protection before the likely peak in August.

“Flu affects people of all ages, but it is particularly serious in young babies and children, as well as pregnant women and the elderly – so let’s do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable communities.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath:

“We need Queenslanders to play their part in helping to limit the spread of flu.

“In addition to getting vaccinated, I encourage all of us to stay home when we’re sick, wash our hands often and cover any coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.

“They may be very simple acts, but time and time again, they have proven critical in stopping the spread of infectious diseases.” 

Quotes attributable to Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard:

“Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu vaccine this year – it is the single most important measure many of us can take to protect ourselves and each other. 

“Young people in particular play an important role in getting vaccinated as they are considered super-spreaders.

“The flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. Those particularly at risk are young children and people aged 65 years and over, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with certain medical conditions and pregnant people.

“It’s also recommended that those over 65 years receive a Covid-19 booster at the same time as their flu shots if it’s been more than six months since previous Covid vaccinations or natural infection.”

7 easy steps to help fight the flu:

1. Get a flu shot every year
2. If you are unwell, stay at home and avoid contact with others
3. Wash your hands often and properly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
4. Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. Throw your tissues away immediately and wash your hands afterwards
5. Try to stay 1.5 metres away from anyone who coughs and sneezes
6. Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly with soap and water or detergent
7. Don’t share items such as cups, glasses, cutlery, lip balm, toys or anything that has come into contact with the mouth or nose.

Further information:

Influenza cases and influenza associated deaths in Queensland from 1 January to 9 April:

• 2022: 69 cases, 0 deaths
• 2023: 6374 cases, 8 deaths.

Influenza cases and deaths in Queensland from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022:

• 44,436 cases
• 90 deaths

ENDS