VaxWorks is thrilled to see the Queensland Government announce an expanded free flu vaccination program for 2026. This move will make it easier than ever for people across the state to protect themselves, their families and their workplaces ahead of the winter flu season.
Under the new program, every Queenslander aged six months and over will be eligible to receive a free influenza vaccine from 1 March 2026, creating what has been described as Australia’s largest and most accessible statewide flu vaccination program.
Why this matters for workplaces
Influenza continues to have a significant impact on businesses each year. In 2025 alone, Queensland recorded close to 100,000 influenza cases and more than 300 flu-related deaths, with most serious cases occurring among unvaccinated people.
For employers, this translates into:
- Increased absenteeism
- Reduced productivity
- Higher risk of outbreaks in the workplace
The Queensland Government’s commitment to funding flu vaccines will save many businesses thousands of dollars by reducing the cost for businesses to run on-site clinics while making vaccination more convenient and accessible for employees – effectively removing two of the biggest barriers to uptake: cost and convenience.
The benefits of a workplace flu vaccination program
To ensure the safety and well-being of employees, many organisations have decided to run onsite flu vaccination clinics for their staff. There are so many benefits to running a program at your workplace such as:
· Increased vaccination rates among employees (because it’s so convenient)
· Cost savings for your business as there should be lower absenteeism rates and increased productivity, as vaccinated employees are less likely to miss work due to illness
If you need even more reasons, read our blog article, The Benefits of Onsite Flu Vaccination Programs.
A positive move for community health
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and over, as it helps reduce the spread of the virus and protects those most at risk of severe illness.
By expanding the free program, the Queensland Government is taking a proactive step to:
- Improve vaccination coverage
- Reduce pressure on hospitals and health services
- Keep more people healthy during peak flu season
Looking ahead to the 2026 flu season
With vaccines expected to become available from March, now is the ideal time for organisations to start planning their workplace flu vaccination clinics.
VaxWorks is excited to support businesses across Queensland in taking advantage of the expanded free program. By bringing vaccination directly to the workplace, employers can help protect their people, reduce disruption and contribute to a healthier community.
We welcome this announcement and look forward to working with organisations across the state to make the 2026 flu season safer for everyone.
