The Queensland Government has announced state-wide, no-cost influenza vaccinations for Queenslanders from Sat 22 Jul. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Qld President Shane MacDonald said that the move will encourage more people to make an influenza vaccination a part of their regular healthcare. “All Queensland age groups have the lowest or second-lowest influenza vaccination coverage of any state or territory this year,” shared MacDonald. “Particularly at risk are young children, of which less than 20% are vaccinated against influenza this year. “Vaccination rates among Queenslanders aged five to 15 years is the lowest in Australia, sitting at just 11.1%,” he added. “We have already seen the deadly impact of low vaccination rates across the country, and if we don’t act now it will only get worse. “Removing cost barriers and giving Queenslanders greater access to vaccines through community pharmacies is a great first step to improving vaccine uptake,” MacDonald said. “Pharmacists can vaccinate patients six months and over, meaning many families can come into their pharmacy together for their flu vaccines. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Qld Branch President Chris Owen said, “this program will remove any financial barrier to immunisation”. “Flu vaccination is not only for your protection but for those families and friends who may be more at risk. “Anyone who has an existing booking at a pharmacy this week, don’t cancel, it will be free,” he said.