“The current numbers are pointing towards a terrible season for influenza,” said Mr Owen, “Nationally, we’ve seen an increase in the number of cases of 54.8%1 compared to the same time last year.
“The numbers are better in Queensland where residents have access to free influenza vaccines—made possible by the Crisafulli Government—however, numbers are still up 23.7% compared to the same time last year with over 10,000 confirmed cases in the first three months of 2025.”
Getting immunised against influenza could be the difference between life or death for many Queenslanders, said Mr Owen.
“Access to free flu vaccines can make a real difference in how severe an influenza infection can be,” said Mr Owen .
“Already this year, there have been over 800 hospitalisations in Queensland due to influenza. If more people get vaccinated, this will take pressure off our hospitals.”
Mr Owen also said there was encouraging news with the number of Queenslanders accessing the free vaccinations.
“It is recommended that everyone aged six months and over receive an annual influenza vaccine. The influenza season generally runs between May and September but appears to have arrived early this year. Getting the free vaccine now means Queenslanders will be better protected when the peak influenza season arrives.”
“Getting vaccinated doesn’t only benefit those who receive it directly, it also helps prevent the spread of the disease to other loved ones, in particular, elderly relatives and our youngest children under five years of age, who are most at risk to having more serious infections due to influenza exposure,” Mr Owen said.
“Almost 25,000 Queenslanders have received their free flu vaccination in a community pharmacy during March,” Mr Owen said, “in particular, we’ve seen a massive increase of almost four times more Queenslanders getting vaccinated in the second half of the month compared with the first half.”
Mr Owen encouraged Queenslanders to call their community pharmacy or visit findapharmacy.com.au to book in their vaccination.