Despite more than one million Queenslanders having received a free influenza shot, vaccination rates have stalled, prompting a warning from health officials.
State Health Minister Tim Nicholls said with winter approaching more Queenslanders needed to protect themselves as hospitalisation rates rose.
Minister Nicholls said 1,029,000 had received the free flu vaccination, including more than 472,000 Queenslanders aged over 65 and more than 20,000 children under five years – the most at risk cohorts.
He said despite the strong start, the vaccination rates had slowed in recent weeks, and were approximately eight percent lower than this time last year.
“Queensland has recorded more than 17,400 cases of influenza up to May 13, with more than 1800 people hospitalised this year, and 37 flu-related deaths.
“Last year, more than 7000 people were hospitalised due to the flu and sadly 201 people died, with more than 40 of those deaths occurred in Queenslanders under 65.”
Minister Nicholls said free flu vaccination program aimed to protect people from the flu and ease pressure on the State’s health system and staff.
“The (free program) helps to make sure cost is not a barrier to people rolling up their sleeves, which is why Queenslanders can visit their GP or local pharmacy and receive the vaccination for free.”
