On Monday 23 May the Queensland Government announced that until  30 June 2022, it is offering free flu vaccinations for anyone not already eligible for free vaccination under the National Immunisation Program. This includes anyone aged 5 to 64 years.

This announcement initially caught GP groups by surprise and was met with concern due to the lack of prior consultation and the impact on Practices who had already purchased supplied of vaccine.

Under the Free flu vaccine for all Queenslanders initiative, the Queensland Government will reimburse practices for privately purchased influenza vaccine at a cost of $21.90 per dose. This will apply until 30 June 2022. Practices are not required to bulk bill to receive the reimbursement.

AGPA understands that the mechanism for claiming reimbursement is currently being determined. The cash flow implications for Practices will be an important consideration.