Calls for Queenslanders to get their free flu vaccination amid rising hospitalisation rates
- Queenslanders are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and join more than one million people who have been vaccinated for free this year.
- The reminder comes amid rising hospitalisation rates and 37 flu-related deaths this year in Queensland.
- The Crisafulli Government delivered the free flu vaccine program after Labor failed to fund it for 2025.
The Crisafulli Government is urging Queenslanders to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated against influenza, with winter approaching and flu cases on the rise.
To date this year, more than one million Queenslanders (1,029,000) have taken the step to protect themselves against serious illness from the flu.
This includes more than 472,000 Queenslanders aged over 65 and more than 20,000 children under five years – the most at risk cohorts.
Despite the strong start, the uptake of the Crisafulli Government's free flu vaccination has slowed in recent weeks, and are approximately 8 per cent lower than this time last year.
Queensland has recorded more than 17,400 cases of influenza up to 13 May with more than 1,800 people hospitalised this year, and 37 flu-related deaths.
The free-flu vaccination program is part of the Crisafulli Government's Easier Access to Health Services Plan, which will deliver timely and accessible healthcare closer to home for all Queenslanders regardless of where they live.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the Crisafulli Government's free flu vaccination program aims to protect people from the flu and ease pressure on the State's health system and staff.
"That's why the Queensland Government is investing $25 million this year to offer free flu vaccinations to all eligible Queenslanders from the age of six months," Minister Nicholls said.
"Last year, more than 7,000 people were hospitalised due to the flu and sadly 201 people died. More than 40 of those deaths occurred in Queenslanders under 65.
"The former Labor government did not allocate any funding for the free-flu program for 2025 - zero dollars.
"The Crisafulli Government's investment helps to make sure cost is not a barrier to people rolling up their sleeves, which is why Queenslanders can visit their GP or local pharmacy and receive the vaccination for free."
Minister Nicholls was with Member for Thuringowa Natalie Marr to receive his flu vaccination in Townsville and encouraged North Queenslanders to choose to get vaccinated against the flu.
"Worryingly, here in Townsville there have been 935 flu cases, 92 hospitalisations, and two deaths this year up to 4 May," Ms Marr said.
All Queenslanders from the age of six months are eligible for the free influenza vaccination program which is available from thousands of GPs, pharmacies, and community vaccination providers across the state.
