Qld’s free flu jabs have been a shot in the arm for coverage, but here's why more needs to be done.
Queensland’s flu jab drive appears to have lifted the state’s vaccination rate, but experts are calling for more to be done to ensure as many people get the jab as possible.
Queensland’s example inspired almost every other state and territory, with the exception of the Northern Territory, to roll out free flu jabs in June. “Can I encourage Queenslanders, you have until the end of June to go and get your [free] flu vaccine.”Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said she was anticipating a rush of people wanting the vaccine as the deadline approached.
GP clinics administer most flu vaccines due to their direct involvement in the national scheme, but pharmacies have been steadily increasing the total.Chris Owen, the Queensland president of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, said since pharmacies had first been allowed to give flu shots in 2014, people were increasingly using them.
Queensland had a notably bad flu season in 2019, but case numbers were down in 2020 and almost non-existent in 2021 thanks to measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.