The Crisafulli Government announced the program in January this year, and will mean reduced pressure on Emergency Departments as more Queenslanders have access to the vaccines when the flu season arrives.
“This program has the potential to be the difference between life and death for Queenslanders,” said Mr Owen, “The Crisafulli Government and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls, should be applauded for their continued support for free flu vaccines for Queenslanders.
“We don’t take the State Government’s support for this program for granted,” said Mr Owen, “it is a significant investment in the health of all Queenslanders as it funds the vaccination for those not otherwise eligible under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).”
“Everyone aged six months and over is recommended to receive an annual influenza vaccine, and getting the vaccine 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 susceptible to having more serious infections due to influenza exposure,” Mr Owen said.
Mr Owen said that while the influenza season generally runs between May and September. Getting the free vaccine now means Queenslanders will be better protected when the influenza season arrives.
“I’d encourage Queenslanders not to wait until the influenza season begins. It often takes a few weeks for our bodies to get the full benefit from the vaccine, and it will be at its maximum effectiveness for three to four months.”
Mr Owen encouraged Queenslanders to call their community pharmacy or visit findapharmacy.com.au to book in to receive their vaccination.
“The more people who get vaccinated, the fewer hospitalisations will result due to influenza,” said Mr Owen, “this means hospital beds can be freed up for more urgent needs.”
“Just about every town across Queensland has access to a community pharmacy. This means greater access to Queenslanders for influenza vaccines right across the state. We encourage anyone interested in getting a free influenza vaccine to call their community pharmacy or go to findapharmacy.com.au to book an appointment today,” said Mr Owen.