The State Government has announced free flu shots for all Queenslanders in a bid to boost vaccination rates against the virus.
It comes amid a worrying rise in cases of the dominant Influenza B strain, which is a particular danger to school-aged children.
An 11-year-old girl sadly passed away on the Sunshine Coast last week, shortly after a year 9 student died on the NSW Central Coast after both contracting the flu.
Cases of influenza are expected to peak over the coming weeks, prompting the State’s Health Minister to convene an urgent State Cabinet meeting to discuss the issue.
“Today I convened a meeting with key health experts and community stakeholders and the message was clear – we need to make the flu vaccine as accessible as possible,” Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said.
Prior to today’s announcement, flu jabs were only free of charge for certain age groups – including children five and under, and adults over 65.
As of Friday, there had already been more than 51,400 influenza cases across the state, with 3676 hospital admissions.
Of those in hospital with the flu, 35 are in intensive care.
Sadly, 56 deaths have also been recorded.
The free flu jabs will be available from pharmacies and GPs across the state from Saturday, July 22 to August 31.
“Health experts have told us that this strain of Influenza B is particularly severe, and that vaccination rates in Queensland are low,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“I don’t want there to be any barriers to getting the flu jab, which is why I am reinstating free flu vaccinations for all Queenslanders.
“We know the cost of living is a real concern right now, and this will fill the gap for people who don’t qualify for a free vaccination under the federally run national immunisation program.”
The vaccination blitz is estimated to cost the Queensland Government between $5 – 10 million.
