Free flu shots welcome but details needed

AMA Queensland welcomes the state government’s announcement to provide free flu vaccines to Queenslanders but cautions clear processes are urgently needed.

Professor Chris Perry, AMA Queensland President, said this was an important step to curb what is looking like a deadly flu season.

“I commend the government on being the first state to announce a free flu vaccine program and think it is the right thing to do to protect our community and keep our fragile health system functioning.

“We need to rapidly increase the rate of flu vaccines and hope this announcement will encourage everyone to get their flu jab as soon as possible.

“Our health system is already under immense pressure and we do not want to see hospitals overwhelmed with flu cases and ambulance ramping to escalate any further,” Prof Perry said.

Dr Maria Boulton, Chair of the AMA Queensland Committee of General Practice agreed the announcement was a positive step for greater public health but said the phones at her practice were running hot with patient inquiries.

“It is so important we vaccinate our community against the flu and GPs all over Queensland have been working hard doing this since April.

“We are working with Queensland Health now on the logistics and hope to iron this out as quickly as possible so GPs and patients have clarity on the system.

“We hope that everyone will book in their flu shot with their GP as soon as possible and ask for patience as this new program is finalised,” said Dr Boulton.

Patients are urged to book their flu vaccine online so GP phones remain open for people who are unwell and need urgent care.