It’s peak flu (influenza) season on the Gold Coast, with more than 4000 confirmed cases so far in 2025. That's nearly 1600 more than this time last year, and the highest flu rate in more than five years.
Public Health Medical Director Dr Kate Alexander said it's important that both adults and children stay up to date with an annual flu shot, especially for vulnerable groups in the community.
“Flu strains constantly evolve, and people’s immunity reduces over time, so they need to be vaccinated every year to protect against current circulating strains,” Dr Alexander said.
“Flu vaccination is free and easily accessible. Taking just 15 minutes out of the day to get vaccinated against the flu could prevent people from spending days or weeks at home sick, or worse, in a hospital bed.”.
Most people recover from the flu within a week, but a cough and tiredness can last longer.
For a small number of people, the flu can be serious, or even deadly. We can all do our part to protect the most vulnerable in our community.
- Get a free flu vaccination: All Queenslanders aged 6 months and over are eligible, and you don't need a Medicare card.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water, use sanitiser and clean surfaces like desks with detergent or anti-bacterial spray.
- Stop the spread: Stay home if you're sick, sneeze or cough into your arm or a tissue, and don't share cups, cutlery, lip balm or anything that has touched someone else's mouth or nose.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Gold Coast residents can access free family-friendly community immunisation clinics run by Gold Coast Public Health and nominated GP Clinics. Visit our website to find a community clinic close to you.
You can also get vaccinated through GPs or pharmacies. Visit Where to get vaccinated | Vaccination Matters and Find Vaccination clinic by location | healthdirect to find a suitable location.
You can find out more information on how to stay healthy this flu season by visiting the Queensland Health website.
