Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland President, Chris Owen, has today welcomed the Crisafulli Government's announcement to again make flu vaccinations free of charge to all Queenslanders in 2027.
The announcement by Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Hon. Tim Nicholls MP, well ahead of the 2027 flu season, will give community pharmacists across Queensland plenty of time to prepare and order stock for the free flu vaccination program.
Building on this year's program, next year's free flu roll-out will expand access to the nasal spray vaccine option to those aged two to 17 years.
"We congratulate Minister Nicholls and the Crisafulli Government for making this commitment and announcing it early, which will enable community pharmacists to order stock and prepare for the free flu vaccination program," said Mr. Owen.
"Community pharmacies are one of the most convenient places for Queenslanders to access healthcare, and continuing the free flu vaccination program means more people can protect themselves and their families without cost being a barrier," Mr Owen said.
"With pharmacies located across metropolitan, regional and rural Queensland, pharmacists are well placed to help more Queenslanders get vaccinated ahead of next winter and reduce the risk of serious illness."
"During the Queensland Government's 2026 Free Flu Vaccination Program, community pharmacies administered over 549,000 flu vaccinations, an increase of more than four per cent compared with last year. Community pharmacies accounted for 32% of all flu vaccinations delivered across Queensland during the program," said Mr. Owen.
Mr. Owen also applauded the Queensland Government for its continuation of nasal spray options within the free flu program.
"2026 was the first time we had a nasal spray option in the free flu vaccination program in Queensland," said Mr. Owen.
"The nasal spray option was incredibly well received by Queensland families in its first year, providing another option for parents and carers who may previously have been hesitant to have their children vaccinated. It's great to see this option being opened to more Queenslanders", said Mr Owen.
"It's easy to forget, but getting children vaccinated also has a knock-on impact in protecting people across the board, especially older Queenslanders and those who have compromised immune systems," Mr. Owen said.
