Queensland offers free flu jabs amid spate of infections

A surge in influenza cases, and the death of an 11-year-old girl, have prompted one state government to offer free flu inoculations.

Queenslanders will be able to get a free flu shot from this weekend to help battle a surge in infections.

“We’re making flu vaccinations FREE for all Queenslanders,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced on social media on Monday afternoon.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk took to social media on Monday to announce free flu vaccinations from July 22. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

“Influenza is highly infectious and can be deadly — and vaccination rates in Queensland need to improve,” she said in a post on both her Twitter and Facebook pages.

“From 22 July to 31 August, pharmacies and GPs will offer free vaccinations. Please get vaccinated.”

The announcement follows the death of 11-year-old Noosa girl Emma Schwab with influenza B on July 6.

We’re making flu vaccinations FREE for all Queenslanders.

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) July 17, 2023

Queensland chief health officer Dr John Gerrard last week said the B strain has the potential to cause “severe illness” in young people.

“We are very concerned about the increase in influenza B cases and the high rate of unvaccinated patients, particularly with school resuming,” Dr Gerrard said.

“We experienced an influenza A wave leading into winter, but influenza B has taken over as the dominant strain in July.

“There have been three times more hospital admissions for influenza B than influenza A in children aged less than five years.”

Queensland government flu tracking data shows 15,039 cases on influenza B have been detected in the state for the year to July 9.

Those with a flu shot already booked in this week can get their vaccine for free, or be reimbursed. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

“If you have an existing booking for this week, your pharmacist or GP will provide the vaccine for free or you will be reimbursed,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Queenslanders are encouraged to book online.

“We know 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.”