Queenslanders will be able to get their free flu jab from today until the end of the June with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk saying, “we face a severe outbreak of influenza”. Cases have doubled every week since the beginning of May according to Queensland Health.
Influenza A shots will be available at the GP and pharmacy.
“We are seeing the impacts on our hospitals and if we don’t get a vaccinated community with the flu vaccine, we are going to see escalating numbers in our hospitals,” said the Premier.
In the last week alone cases have risen from 1,848 to 4,282 despite the state have very few cases since the COVID-19 pandemic. Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said this years flu season is worrying.
“The face that more than 4,000 cases have already been detected when flu seasons don’t usually start until late July is very concerning.”
“Influenza A is more severe than Influenza B. It leads to greater numbers needing to go to hospital [and] I urge parents of all age groups to please take up this offer of a free vaccine.”
With anything vaccine related, there has been a mixed reaction from the public.
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