As we move deeper into flu season, Queensland is seeing a concerning rise in influenza-related hospitalisations. Recent data shows a sharp increase, putting additional strain on our hospitals—and alarmingly, 90% of people being hospitalised with the flu have not been vaccinated.
Source: QLD Health
This isn’t just about a bad cough or a few days off work. The current situation is serious enough that elective surgeries were put on hold in the past weeks at several Queensland hospitals, with the increase in flu and COVID-19 admissions stretching healthcare resources to the limit.
The flu vaccine saves lives – and hospitals
Year after year, flu vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent serious illness and hospitalisation from influenza. While it doesn’t guarantee you won’t get sick, it significantly reduces the risk of severe symptoms, complications, and the need for hospital care.
Vaccination not only protects you, it also helps protect our most vulnerable groups, including:
- Older adults
- Children under five
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic medical conditions
With our hospitals under increasing pressure, flu vaccination is not just a personal health decision – it’s a community responsibility. By protecting yourself, you also help protect those around you and reduce the burden on our health system.
What You Can Do
- If you haven’t had your flu shot yet – book it today.
- Encourage family, friends, and coworkers to get vaccinated.
Let’s work together to keep Queensland healthy and ensure our hospitals are there for those who need them most.
As employers, offering your staff a workplace vaccination program each year is an incredibly effective way to make it easy for everyone to get their flu shot.
Thank you to all our clients who offered this valuable service to their staff this year. We are proud to do our part to help protect people from seasonal illness each year.
