Vaccination call urgent as flu cases surge

AMA Queensland board member Professor Paul Griffin joined Health Minister Tim Nicholls and Pharmacy Guild of Australian Queensland Branch President Chris Owen on Wednesday afternoon to highlight the importance of getting the free flu shot.

Queensland Health’s respiratory illness data shows more than 250 Queenslanders were hospitalised with flu last week (July 7 to 13). 

An average of 169 public hospital beds per day were occupied by patients with influenza – up from 131 beds per day the week before. 

Nearly 3,600 Queenslanders have been hospitalised with flu so far this year – 16 per cent higher than this time last year. 

In addition, more than 190 people were hospitalised with COVID-19 in Queensland last week, with an average of 149 hospital beds occupied by patients with COVID-19. 

Now more than ever, AMA Queensland is urging Queenslanders to get their flu shot. 

AMA Queensland advocated for the free influenza vaccination program to continue, and we thank the Minister and the Queensland Government for their commitment to this critical public health measure.

Getting the flu vaccine is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your family.

It’s safe, effective, and free.

Our members tell us there is still vaccine hesitancy and complacency in the community.

AMA Queensland, along with our government and pharmacy colleagues, are committed to driving him the message that we all need to play our part to boost vaccination rates and reduce the spread of influenza.

Children and the elderly are most at risk – but it’s important to remember these viruses can hit anyone hard. 

If you’re unvaccinated, you’re at risk – even if you’re in general good health.

90 per cent of people who are in hospital with influenza right now are unvaccinated.

This puts pressure on our already busy emergency departments.

Our doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals are working hard to provide the best possible care for Queenslanders, and we need you to get vaccinated. 

Don’t put it off. Book the appointment with your trusted GP, or your local pharmacy today.

If you have kids or elderly loved ones, make sure they get the flu shot too.

If you’re sick, stay at home. Don’t spread viruses at work or at school.

Practice good personal hygiene. Wash your hands and cover any sneezes and coughs. 

If you have questions about the flu shot, or any other vaccine, such as COVID-19 or RSV – talk to your GP.

Our primary care professionals are at the frontline of preventive health. 

AMA Queensland, doctors, pharmacists and the government are all working together to boost vaccination rates, reduce pressure on our public hospitals, and keep Queenslanders healthy.