This month we are urging residents to book in for a flu shot to ensure they are protected leading into the winter flu season. The flu is circulating earlier this year, with increasing cases reported across our regions. Queensland Health issued a Letter to GPs – over 65s COVID vaccinations[82] on 9 May, regarding the urgency for both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations (over aged 65) – Free Flu Vaccination – Stakeholder Kit May 2024 is also now available.
Serious influenza can lead to secondary infections, like pneumonia, which can escalate to life-threatening infections like sepsis.
Country to Coast, QLD CEO, Julie Sturgess, wants to remind all of us to start thinking about getting our flu shots.
“Let’s make sure everyone in Central Queensland, Wide Bay, and Sunshine Coast gets their free flu shot ASAP. You can schedule an appointment with your GP, local pharmacy, health professional, or Aboriginal Medical Service.”
Dr. Amy Langford-Ely, a local GP, stresses the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations.
“Not only does it protect you from the flu, but it also helps keep others healthy and prevents hospitals from getting overwhelmed.”
“Especially for our little ones, getting vaccinated is crucial. Kids under 5 are at a higher risk, so let’s make sure they’re protected.”
Queensland Health Free 2024 – Vaccination program: The 2024 Free Flu Vaccination Program | Queensland Health has commenced. For NIP eligible people, vaccine service providers should administer the NIP vaccines received directly from QHIP. For people not eligible for NIP, vaccine service providers should continue to administer influenza vaccine from their privately purchased stock. Vaccination providers will be able to seek reimbursement from Queensland Health for all brands of privately purchased influenza vaccines. Providers should keep in mind that any remaining/unadministered stock from the current season will not be reimbursed.
ATAGI advice – 2024 seasonal influenza vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine advice 2024: Available from COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations for 2024 | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Adults 65 years and over, or aged 18-64 who are severely immunocompromised, are eligible to receive a booster dose every 6 months. All other adults are eligible to get a booster dose every 12 months. A new eligibility tool is also available for the community available at COVID-19 booster eligibility checker | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Latest Vaccine COVID-19 Bulletin. COVID-19 | The Australian Immunisation Handbook (health.gov.au)
ATAGI advice – COVID-19 vaccine booster
Learn more: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine