The Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland (PGAQ) has welcomed the Crisafulli Government’s announcement of an enhanced free flu vaccination program for 2026, describing it as a significant step in improving access and easing pressure on the state’s health system.
Free flu vax program further strengthens role of community pharmacy in preventative health
Announced by Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Hon. Tim Nicholls MP, the program will provide free influenza vaccines to all Queenslanders aged 6 months and older from 1 March to 30 September 2026.
PGAQ President Chris Owen says the program, which mirrors last year’s expanded access model, will further strengthen the role of community pharmacy in preventative health.
“This expanded program will see community pharmacists play a bigger role in vaccinating Queenslanders,” says Mr Owen.
“More opportunities to get the free flu vaccine will not only benefit those who receive it directly — it also helps prevent the spread to loved ones who may be more susceptible to having serious complications from influenza exposure.
“We applaud the Crisafulli Government for implementing the largest free flu program in Australia and for making the vaccine freely available for all Queenslanders not covered by the Commonwealth’s National Immunisation Program,” he says.
Looking back
Mr Owen continued: “The 2025 flu season was particularly bad, right across Australia, with flu numbers increased by 37% when compared to 2024.
“These numbers highlight why vaccination is essential. Australian Centre for Disease Control statistics show there were 99,926 confirmed influenza cases in Queensland in 2025, a very concerning 25% increase from 2024.
“According to Queensland Health, 83% of those infected had not been vaccinated,” he says.
Vital role of community pharmacy
Mr Owen says that community pharmacies have continued to play a vital role in this space, administering “more than 527,000” influenza vaccinations in 2025 — approximately 1 in 3 doses delivered statewide and a 15% increase on 2024.
“Community pharmacies across the state are playing a vital role in providing accessible, free flu vaccinations, [with] many pharmacies offering convenient options such as walk-in appointments and extended trading hours to ensure vaccinations are easy to access,” says Mr Owen.
Qld Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program
The Free Flu Vaccination Program will be complemented by the Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program.
The Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program offers fully funded nasal flu vaccines for children aged 2 to 5 years through community pharmacies.
“The Guild commends the Queensland Government’s proactive approach in making this program available through community pharmacies,” says Mr Owen.
“It is another positive step in removing barriers to increased immunisation uptake over the coming flu season.”
