ALL Queenslanders over the age of six months will be able to get a free flu vaccination in 2025, from 01 Mar to 01 Sep.
Queensland's Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls, said the program will help ease pressure on Queensland hospital emergency departments and the broader healthcare system.
"The highest influenza-related hospitalisation rates occur in older Queenslanders over 65 and young children under five," Nicholls said.
"While Queenslanders in these age groups are already eligible for flu vaccination under the Commonwealth's National Immunisation Program (NIP), extending free flu vaccination for all Queenslanders should improve uptake and support the broader health system through avoidable hospitalisations."
Nicholls pointed out that flu vaccination uptake in Queensland last year was 29% of the total population - less than 2023 figure, and significantly down from the 2022 number (36% of the state's total population), when free flu jabs were first introduced.
"The decline in the numbers of Queenslanders getting the flu jab in 2023 and 2024 indicates vaccine fatigue and hesitancy may be impacting decisions more so than the cost," he said.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland's Branch President, Chris Owen, welcomed the announcement, saying "free availability means Queenslanders will have every opportunity to access the vaccine before the worst of the flu season".
"We recognise the government's efforts in finding the resources to fund this initiative, especially as there are cohorts being funded by the Queensland Government that are not covered by the National Immunisation Program (NIP)."
"Higher vaccination rates mean fewer hospitalisations due to influenza; this means hospital beds can be freed up for more urgent needs," he added.
The advanced notice also means Queensland families can plan ahead and visit their community pharmacy to receive the free vaccine before flu season arrives during the winter months, helping to reduce the spread of the virus.
"By making this announcement now, community pharmacists and other health care providers will have ample time to plan and secure the necessary vaccine stock to meet the anticipated demand," Owen highlighted. JM
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