A LARGE increase in the number of influenza cases across Australia demonstrates the importance of Queenslanders taking up their free flu shot, said Chris Owen, President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland.
With a horror flu season predicted for this year, cases for the first three months are already more than 50% up on last year's figures nationally.
"The numbers are better in Queensland, where residents have access to free influenza vaccines," Owen said, referring to the government's 2025 free flu vaccine program.
"However, numbers are still up 23.7% compared to the same time last year, with over 10,000 confirmed cases in the first three months of 2025."
Getting the free vaccine now means people will be better protected when the peak influenza season arrives, Owen said, noting that it seems to have arrived early this year.
He encouraged Queenslanders to book in their free vaccination with their community pharmacy now.
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