More than 112k Queenslanders book in for free flu shots

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Brand has announced that more than 112,000 Queenslanders have booked in to receive their free flu shot through community pharmacy.

Chris Owen, Queensland Branch President says Queenslanders have been able to book in for a flu shot using the website qldfreevax.com.au, which he says has had more than 665,000 visits and more than 112,000 bookings since launching on 26 May.

“The online booking service at qldfreevax.com.au is straightforward and easy to use,” Mr Owen said.

“All you have to do is enter your suburb, and the website will automatically find the next available appointment at your closest community pharmacy.

“GuildLink’s online booking platform has provided a centralized and streamlined booking system for both Queensland patients and community pharmacies.

“This one-stop-shop booking platform has enabled the mass vaccination rollout to be implemented quickly and easily managed by pharmacies.”

Call for calm amid reports of some supply shortages

However, Mr Owen says that with the increase in demand for vaccinations, some supply shortages have been reported.

“I’d encourage Queenslanders to continue to be patient and check qldfreevax.com.au for more appointments to become available as community pharmacies receive more stock every day,” Mr Owen said

“The free influenzas vaccines will continue to be available through community pharmacies until 30 June.

“I encourage Queenslanders to visit their local community pharmacy to receive their free influenza vaccine before the program ends.”

Flu vax stats 

Mr Owen says that since the Queensland Government’s announcement on 23 May that all Queenslanders can receive a free flu vaccine more than 78,230 free flu vaccines have been administered in Queensland community pharmacies.

“Since the beginning of March, we’ve had the privilege of administering more than 283,300 influenza vaccinations through community pharmacies in Queensland,” he said.