Important Influenza and COVID-19 Public Health Advice
Influenza is here and within a few weeks we expect to see a dramatic rise in case numbers. We are seeing increases in hospitalisations. COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community, Please read below a letter from the Queensland Chief Health Officer for current health advice.
Dear Queensland Primary Health Care Providers
We are starting to see a concerning increase in COVID-19 infections amongst people aged 65 years and older, and particularly those aged 75 years and older. The most up to date epidemiology on COVID-19 and influenza in Queensland can be found on the Acute Respiratory Diseases Website.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect those at risk of severe disease from COVID-19 and influenza. I strongly encourage you to reach out to all patients aged 65 years and older and advise they get vaccinated as soon as possible. So far only 42% of people aged 65 years and older in Queensland have received a 2024 influenza vaccine.
If you provide care to people residing in residential aged care facilities or adults with severe immunocompromise, please ensure they can be up to date with their COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations.
Recommended vaccinations:
Influenza vaccine
- if not already vaccinated this year
COVID-19 vaccine
- if aged 65-74 years and not vaccinated within the last 12 months
- if aged 75 years or more and not vaccinated within the last 6 months
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has developed advice regarding the administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines in 2024.
Thank you for your support and continued commitment to the health of Queenslanders.
Yours sincerely
Associate Professor Catherine McDougall
Queensland Chief Health Officer