By Lucy Waldron
As temperatures are anticipated to plummet across the Southern Downs Region towards the week’s end, concerns over health and immunity are at the forefront.
With nights dipping into single digits, the impending bleak weather poses potential livelihood challenges for the region’s residents.
Highlighting the stakes, the state government has announced the provision of free influenza vaccines ahead of the flu season, aiming to counter the alarming tally of 7000 flu cases already reported this year.
The Miles Labor Government has thrown its weight behind the initiative, allocating $40 million to alleviate pressure on hospital emergency departments during this flu season.
The peak season for influenza varies from year to year, but typically starts in May and lasts until around October, with most cases typically recorded in August.
Queenslanders are encouraged to consider vaccination ahead of the peak season to ensure coverage over the winter months.
The Queensland Premier Steven Miles said many people have vaccine fatigue after the pandemic, which means a significant drop in vaccinations against things like the flu being recorded.
“While it might seem like the common cold, influenza can be deadly which is why it’s so important to get a flu shot every single year,” Mr Miles said.
“Our free flu vaccination program is an easy way to get yourself covered ahead of winter without the barrier of cost and has helped almost one million people get protected so far.
“It’s our hope that all eligible Queenslanders, especially the vulnerable, roll up their sleeve and get vaccinated. It’s the best way to protect yourself and those around you this flu season.”
This program is an extension of those that ran during the 2022 and 2023 seasons and saw 912,000 Queenslanders take up the offer.
Influenza vaccine uptake dropped significantly in 2023 compared to the year prior, with just a third of Queenslanders being vaccinated against the flu.
The Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman said every year they see hundreds of hospitalisation due to influenza and more than 700 have been hospitalised this year.
“Getting vaccinated every year is the best way for people to protect themselves and their loved ones against the flu,” Ms Fentiman said.
“Making it free ahead of the peak flu season keeps people safe and ensures our health system is available for Queenslanders who need it most.
“The launch of this year’s free flu campaign follows the free Meningococcal B vaccine for eligible children and adolescents, as well as last week’s announcement of a free RSV immunisation program for more than 70,000 eligible infants and young children.
“We hope the combination of these free immunisation campaigns will lead to reduced hospital presentations and admissions this cold and flu season.”
The 2024 Free Flu Vaccination Program, concluding on 30 September 2024, aims to encourage more Queenslanders to get vaccinated, while putting money back into the pockets of families who do not qualify for free vaccination under the Commonwealth’s National Immunisation Program (NIP).
All Queensland residents over the age of 6 months are eligible to receive the free vaccine from vaccination providers, including GPs and pharmacies. Bookings are now open.
