High risk Queenslanders encouraged to get annual flu jab

Those at high risk of contracting the flu are being advised to get their flu vaccinations now as the number of influenza cases across Queensland increases.

A recent Queensland Health report shows there have been 1935 influenza notifications the Brisbane North and Moreton Bay region in 2019, while Queensland has seen 10,400 notifications.

With influenza notification rates in the Brisbane North and Moreton Bay region higher than this time last year, GP and Brisbane North PHN Board Chair Dr Anita Green said the need for annual vaccination is more important than ever.

“An annual vaccination is still the simplest way to prevent the flu and its complications and it is especially important for those groups of people that are more susceptible,” Dr Green said.

“Flu is a serious illness that can lead to complications, particularly in the very young, elderly and people with complex chronic diseases.

“For these people and for all of us, getting a flu shot at the GP now might just save a trip to the hospital later,” Dr Green said.

Groups at increased risk of complications from influenza are:

• children from 6 months to less than 5 years of age
• pregnant women
• all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over
• individuals aged 6 months and over with medical conditions which increase the risk of influenza disease complications
• persons 65 years and older.

Vaccination for these groups is funded under the state and national immunisation programs.

All Queenslanders are advised to be immunised against the flu, to protect themselves and decrease the risk of transmission of this serious illness to family and friends.

To access the 2019 influenza vaccination guidelines visit the influenza vaccination guide.