- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a new and expanded free flu vaccination program this year, making it easier for Queenslanders to be vaccinated this winter flu season.
- A needle-free flu vaccine will be available for eligible children aged two to five years in Queensland for the first time.
- The Crisafulli Government will also change legislation to give clinicians an expanded scope of practice, ensuring trained immunisers will be able to vaccinate more age groups in more locations.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering health services when you need them after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering an expanded free flu vaccination program for 2026, ensuring every Queenslander aged six months and over can access a free influenza vaccine ahead of the peak flu season. From 1 March 2026, Queenslanders will be eligible to receive a free flu vaccine in Australia's largest and most accessible statewide program, including a needle-free vaccine for eligible children.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering easier access to health services after Labor's decade of decline, where the former Labor Government failed to provide funding for the 2025 flu vaccination program in their last budget.
It's a stark reminder of Labor's appalling record in health that left the State in a Health Crisis and with skyrocketing ramping rates and an out-of-control elective surgery waitlist.
As part of its election commitment, the Crisafulli Government continues to stabilise the elective surgery waitlist and is pulling every lever possible to reduce ambulance ramping rates, including a new and expanded free flu vaccination program to keep more Queenslanders healthier and out of hospital during the peak flu season.
For the first time, the Crisafulli Government is introducing a needle-free nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged two to five years, which has been used extensively overseas.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said this was the first time this needle-free flu vaccine will be available in Australia.
"This nasal spray vaccination is expected to improve vaccine uptake amongst young kids by removing potential distress about needle vaccinations," Mr Nicholls said.
"After a decade of decline under Labor, this is just another way we are delivering easier access to health services, protecting everyday life for Queensland families, and keeping people well."
The Crisafulli Government will also amend legislation that will expand the scope of practice for trained health practitioners, meaning vaccinations can be administered by registered nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners.
"This change will allow these qualified health practitioners to vaccinate more age groups in a wider range of convenient locations, including workplaces, at community and public events, and in remote First Nations communities," Mr Nicholls said.
Chief Health Officer Dr Marianne Gale encouraged Queenslanders to take advantage of the free influenza vaccine.
"No one wants to be stuck in bed, or in hospital, missing work, school, family events or holidays, and that's why prevention matters," Dr Gale said.
"As vaccines become available throughout March at providers, such as GPs and pharmacies, we're asking Queenslanders to get their free flu vaccination to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.
"The free flu vaccination program aims to reduce demand on healthcare services by lowering the number and severity of avoidable hospital admissions, leading to fewer occupied hospital bed days."
President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Branch Chris Owen welcomed the enhanced flu program.
"This expanded program will see community pharmacists play a bigger role in vaccinating Queenslanders," Mr Owen said.
"More opportunities to get the free flu vaccine will not only benefit those who receive it directly, it also helps prevent the spread to loved ones who may be more susceptible to having serious complications from influenza exposure.
"We applaud the Crisafulli Government for implementing the largest free flu program in Australia and for making the vaccine freely available for all Queenslanders not covered by the Commonwealth's National Immunisation Program," Mr Owen said.
