Book your FREE Flu shots

Book your free flu shots

Gold Coast residents are being urged to book in for a free flu vaccination ahead of the 2024 flu season.

State Health Minister Shannon Fentiman says more than 7,000 Queenslanders have been struck down with the flu so far this year, and 713 had to be admitted to the hospital.

The State Government is providing free flu vaccinations in a bid to ease pressure on hospital emergency departments.

Premier Steven Miles said all Queensland residents over the age of six months were eligible to receive the free vaccine from vaccination providers, including GPs and pharmacies.

“Many people have vaccine fatigue after the pandemic, which means we are recording significant drops in vaccinations against things like the flu,’’ said Mr Miles.

“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.”

Ms Fentiman said the number of Queenslanders who rolled up their sleeves to receive a flu vaccine dropped last year compared with the 2022 figures. Flu vaccination rates were particularly low last year among children under six years of age.

“Every year, we see hundreds of hospitalisations due to influenza,’’ said Ms Fentiman.

“Already this year, more than 700 people have been hospitalised due to serious illness from influenza.

“In 2023, Queensland recorded more than 74,000 flu cases, and sadly, 144 deaths were reported.

“Since the start of this year, 7,000 flu cases have been reported, as well as 11 deaths due to influenza.

“Getting vaccinated every year is the best way for people to protect themselves and their loved ones against the flu.”