The Qld Govt will invest $40 million to extend the free influenza vaccination program to 2024 for all Queenslanders aged six months and over. The Guild’s Qld Branch President, Chris Owen, welcomed the Palaszczuk Govt’s continued commitment to the program and hoped this early announcement would go a long way to increasing the uptake of vaccinations. “At a time of suboptimal influenza vaccination rates, the 2024 free program will allow all Queenslanders to access this important vaccination at a community pharmacy in the lead-up to, and throughout the flu season. “We would like to thank the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman for her commitment to the program and by making this initiative free it ensures there are no cost-of-living barriers for Queenslanders in putting their health first,” Owen added. “The advance notice will also enable Queensland families to plan ahead and help reduce the spread of the virus.” PSA Qld President Shane MacDonald welcomed the “common-sense approach to vaccination coverage, and funding certainty ahead of the 2024 flu season will mean that pharmacists can adequately prepare and meet increased demand”. “Knowing that every patient will have access to a vaccination at no cost, pharmacists can start having conversations now to encourage patients well before the start of the flu season,” he said. JG