AMA Queensland joins Chief Health Officer to promote vaccinations

This latest vaccination push coincides with a spike in flu cases and the spread of a new, highly contagious strain of COVID-19 in Australia.

Despite Queensland Health providing free influenza shots again this year, vaccination fatigue remains a real challenge.

Last year, nearly 200 people died from influenza – many of whom were unvaccinated. 

Concerningly, almost 20 per cent were aged between 30 and 65, a group generally considered to be at lowest risk.

This year already, we’ve seen nearly 20,000 cases of influenza statewide. 

This is almost double the number of cases from the same time last year, indicating an early wave or the start of a massive flu season.

Dr Caroll said now was the time to get vaccinated, with a peak number of cases predicted in mid-late June.

“I think it’s really important for people to understand the risk of complications from the flu and Covid… our GPs are talking with people every single day about the risk of not being vaccinated,” she said. 

Dr Nick Yim told the Courier Mail he encourages anyone aged six months and up to protect themselves by accessing government’s free flu vaccination program.

“Unfortunately, what I’m seeing as a GP are elements of vaccine fatigue and vaccine hesitancy,” he said. 

“We know the vaccine prevents people from getting seriously ill and requiring hospitalisation. 

“Our hospitals are already under pressure, and we want to avoid preventable hospitalisations from influenza and COVID.”

The event also marked the early celebrations of Hawthorne Clinic’s 100th anniversary, with Principal GP Dr Carmen Main administering an influenza vaccine to a regular patient – an act captured by attending media.

The season is only beginning, and we will continue to promote the uptake of essential vaccinations.

We also continue to support Queensland Health in circulating its resource kit for doctors containing key messages and materials for practitioners. You can find it here.