Immunisation is a simple and effective way of protecting people from serious diseases. Not only does it help protect individuals, it also protects the broader community by minimising the spread of disease.
To better protect the community against serious diseases, eligible Queenslanders can access meningococcal B vaccine and flu vaccine for free in 2024.
There have also been to some changes to the immunisation program to increase access to important vaccines.
Here’s some information on what’s changing and what you need to know about Queensland’s immunisation program in 2024.
1. Influenza vaccination
The Free Flu Vaccination Program is running again in 2024. Annual vaccination is the most important measure to prevent the flu and its complications.
All Queensland residents from six months of age can access the influenza vaccine for free from GPs, community pharmacies, and other vaccination service providers.
The peak season for influenza varies from year to year, but typically starts in May and lasts until around October, with most cases typically recorded in August.
People can also receive a COVID-19 vaccination at the same time as their influenza vaccine.
COVID-19 is still circulating and is a significant health risk for Queenslanders.
Queenslanders are reminded to keep their COVID-19 vaccination status up to date, especially those who are most vulnerable. You can also use the booster eligibility tool to determine whether you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination.
- Adults aged 75 years and older are recommended to receive a COVID-19 booster dose every six months.
- Adults aged 65-74 years are recommended to have a booster at least every 12 months, but can receive one every six months. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits.
- Adults aged 18-64 years without severe immunocompromise can receive a booster every 12 months. Those with severe immunocompromise are recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccination booster dose every 12 months.
- People aged 5-17 years without severe immunocompromise do not need a booster. Those with severe immunocompromise can receive a booster every 12 months.
- Boosters are not required for children under 5 years of age.
All Queenslanders are encouraged to discuss their COVID-19 vaccination status with their healthcare provider.
2. Meningococcal B
Free meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine is now available to eligible Queensland infants, children and adolescents.
Prior to 2024, the MenB vaccine was only available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants under two years of age and all people with specified medical risk factors under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Meningococcal disease is a rare but severe infection that occurs when meningococcal bacteria enter the body via respiratory droplets such as from sneezing and coughing of an infected person.
Most people with meningococcal infection fully recover, but some people can develop long-term health complications including limb deformity, skin scarring, deafness and possible loss of brain function. It can also result in death.
The following Queenslanders who have not yet started or completed an age-appropriate course of menB vaccination are now eligible for the Queensland MenB Vaccination Program:
- Infants aged 6 weeks to less than 12 months
- Catch up for children aged over 12 months to less than 2 years
- Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years (less than 20 years).
The Queensland MenB Vaccination Program is being delivered through Queensland Health registered vaccination service providers, including general practitioners (GPs), pharmacies, community clinics, child health and outreach clinics, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services.
Year 10 students can access menB vaccination through the Queensland School Immunisation Program.
Immunisation against meningococcal disease strains A, C, W and Y continues to be available to eligible Queenslanders.
3. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a common virus that can infect people of all ages. It can cause a range of respiratory illnesses from mild colds to severe conditions like bronchiolitis, bronchitis or pneumonia.
RSV is the most common cause of hospitalisation in infants and young children, with almost all children experiencing at least one RSV infection within the first two years of life.
The following Queensland infants and young children are eligible for free RSV immunisation:
- All infants born on or after 1 February 2024, up until less than 8 months of age.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants less than 8 months of age.
- Infants with certain complex medical conditions less than 8 months of age.
- Infants with certain complex medical conditions 8 months up to 19 months of age (inclusive), until 31 October 2024.
RSV immunisation can be given at the same time as vaccines routinely recommended for infants and young children.
RSV immunisation is available at all Queensland birthing hospitals (public and private) for newborn babies.
From 29 April 2024, eligible infants and young children who are not immunised in hospital can access RSV immunisation through their routine immunisation provider. As there is limited supply, parents and carers wishing to access this immunisation are encouraged to check availability and book an appointment ahead of time.
4. Shingles
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus causes a painful, blistering rash.
Shingles usually affects older people, and the risk of complications increases with age. Serious complications of shingles include pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness and swelling of the brain.
There have been recent changes to the shingles vaccine type with Shingrix replacing Zostavax on the NIP.
Shingrix can be used in adults at a younger age, and the age group eligible for the Shingrix vaccine under the NIP has been expanded from people aged 70 years and over to people aged 65 years and over.
A two-dose course of Shingrix vaccine is available free for:
- People aged 65 years and older
- First Nations people aged 50 years and older
- Immunocompromised people aged 18 years and older with the following medical conditions: haematopoietic stem cell transplant, solid organ transplant, haematological malignancy, and advanced or untreated HIV.
5. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination changed from two doses to a single dose in 2023.
HPV is a common sexually transmissible infection that affects all genders, and most people will have it at some point in their lives.
Some HPV types can cause genital warts. Other 'high risk' HPV types can cause cell changes that can lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth and throat. This usually takes over 10 years.
Visible warts are an indicator of HPV infection. However, HPV infection usually has no signs or symptoms. In most people, the virus is naturally cleared within 1-2 years. However, in some cases the virus stays in the body and this can cause abnormal cells to develop. These abnormal cells place people at risk of developing HPV-associated cancers.
HPV is the cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer, and HPV is also responsible for genital warts and the majority of anal, vaginal, penile, and mouth and throat cancers.
Potentially harmful HPV infections can be prevented through vaccination, with the vaccine protecting against most of the cancer-causing HPV strains and the strains that cause genital warts.
If you are aged 25 to 74, have a cervix and have ever been sexually active, a Cervical Screening Test is recommended every five years—even if you have had the HPV vaccination.
HPV vaccination is available for Year 7 students through the Queensland School Immunisation Program. The optimal age for vaccination is 12-13 years, prior to the commencement of sexual activity.
People aged 25 years and under who missed their HPV vaccination at high school are also eligible for a free catch-up vaccine from their immunisation provider (e.g. GP, community pharmacy, community vaccination clinic).
6. Vaccinations in community pharmacies
Community pharmacies can now administer a range of vaccines against:
- Influenza
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough)
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Meningococcal B
- Pneumococcal
- Herpes zoster (Shingles)
To find a pharmacy near you, visit www.healthdirect.gov.au
You can contact your local pharmacy directly to find out if they administer vaccinations. Most pharmacies have the option of online bookings.