Free flu jabs for Queenslanders of all ages

The Queensland government has made flu jabs free for all ages as the state battles a surge in infections.

Premier Annastacia Palaezczuk announced influenza vaccinations will be free for all ages starting from Saturday until the end of August.

"Influenza is highly infectious and can be deadly - and vaccination rates in Queensland need to improve. From 22 July to 31 August, pharmacies and GPs will offer free vaccinations. Please get vaccinated," she said.

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"If you have an existing booking for this week, your pharmacist or GP will provide the vaccine for free or you will be reimbursed.

"We know cost of living is a real concern right now, and this will fill the gap for people who don't qualify for a free vaccination under the federally run national immunisation program."

It comes as the state has battled a surge in flu infections, including the death of an 11-year-old girl.

Emma Schwab, from Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, died in hospital on July 6 after contracting influenza B.

Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard warned the influenza outbreak in the state is "uncharted territory" and urged everyone to get vaccinated, which has sparked the government announcement later today.

"We've never experienced anything like this before so exactly how this will pan out over the next few weeks or months is not clear. It is uncharted territory," he said.

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Influenza B has now overtaken influenza A as the dominant strain in the community.

"Influenza B usually causes mild illness in older people and adults but can cause severe disease in children and young people," Gerrard said.

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