Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that all Queensland residents will receive a free flu shot.
All Queensland residents will be offered a free flu shot as the state faces a severe outbreak of influenza A.
Covid-19 measures had reduced flu cases to almost zero by 2020, but by 2022 more than 4,000 cases had already been reported.
Cases in Queensland are doubling every week, from 1848 to 4282 last week.
Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said she had made the unprecedented decision to protect Queenslanders because:
– Influenza A was predominantly a virus that affected younger age groups and age than others.
– Vaccination rates and immunity levels were low.
– The number of cases increased faster and earlier than expected.
Most importantly, all the impacts of Covid-19, including absenteeism, supply chain disruptions, and health care services would be doubled and aggravated by a simultaneous outbreak of influenza A.
“We have seen how difficult it has been to fight Covid-19,” the prime minister said.
“Fighting Covid-19 and the flu is doubly difficult.
“That’s why we make these flu vaccines free for everyone.”
Acting Health Director Dr. Peter Aitken said time was of the essence.
“Influenza A is more severe than influenza B,” Dr. Aitken said.
“It simply came to our notice then.
“Vaccination rates for children aged six months to under five are only six percent.
“I urge parents of all ages to accept this offer of a free vaccine.”
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said free vaccines will be available to all Queensland residents aged six months or more.
“Influenza vaccines are generally not free except for the most vulnerable,” the minister said.
“Our 2017 season saw more than 750 people in intensive care and our 2019 season saw about 300 people
“The fact that more than 4,000 cases have already been detected when the flu season does not usually begin until the end of July is very worrying.
“Our best defense is to vaccinate as many people as possible.”
The Minister also thanked pharmacy professionals and medical organizations for supporting the initiative and urged all Queensland residents to be patient and kind to healthcare providers as this initiative unfolded throughout. the state.
Vaccines will be available free of charge to GPs and pharmacies from now until the end of June.
All Queensland residents should talk to their GP or local pharmacist to see what vaccine is available.
There are no changes for people who already meet the requirements of the national immunization program. People eligible under the National Immunization Program should continue to access the flu vaccine from their usual vaccination providers.
For more information, visit the Queensland Health website.