Flu vaccinations
Registrations are now open for the 2024 UQ flu vaccination program for students and staff.
About the flu and the vaccine
Influenza (the flu) is a highly infectious viral illness that is much more serious than the common cold. Symptoms can be severe and last up to 10 days. For some people, the flu can cause serious complications requiring hospitalisation.
A yearly flu vaccination is recommended for anyone who wants to reduce their risk of getting the flu. The vaccine is updated each year to protect against the flu strains most likely to circulate in the Southern Hemisphere.
Further information about the flu is available in the FAQs. You can also read about the recommended vaccinations for staff and vaccinations for students.
Find more information about flu signs and symptoms, treatment, transmission and prevention on the Queensland Health website.
Who is eligible?
In 2024, the flu vaccine program has been widened. The free program covers:
- UQ staff, including casual and fixed-term staff
- all UQ students over 18 years, including HDR students
- staff of UQ affiliates.
Widening the program to include all students and UQ affiliates has been made possible under the Queensland Government’s commitment to provide free flu vaccinations to residents for the 2024 flu season.
The Federal Government provides an enhanced flu vaccine for Australians aged 65 and over. If you are 65 or over, you can receive this free vaccine when you book through the UQ flu vaccination program. You can also arrange to receive the enhanced vaccine from your GP or pharmacy.
Students under 18 years
The UQ flu program can only conduct vaccinations on adults. If you’re under 18 on the day of your vaccine, you can speak to your GP, as they may be able to offer you the flu vaccination (depending on your age and location). Appointments can also be made at UQ Health Care.
Program details
The program will run from Monday 22 April until mid-May 2024. Vaccinations will be available at the following UQ locations:
- St Lucia campus - Viewpoint Room
- Gatton campus - UQ Health Care
- Herston campus - Mayne Medical School and UQ Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR)
- Dutton Park campus - Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (PACE) and Translational Research Institute
- Indooroopilly - Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC)
- Long Pocket - Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR)
- Mater Hospital - Whitty Building, South Brisbane
- Brisbane CBD - 308 Queen Street
- Toowong - UQ Building, 74 High Street
How to book
If you have a Medicare card, you will need the details when you book. Flu vaccinations are mandated to be reported to the Australian Immunisation Register.
You can check your Medicare details on the MyGov website, or by calling Medicare on 132 011. If you are not eligible for a Medicare card, you can still book, but you will need an Individual Health Identifier to get a record of your flu vaccination.
Do I have to wait between getting the influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccines can be administered on the same day as a flu vaccine as 2 separate vaccinations. Studies show that you do not need to wait any time between receiving COVID vaccination and flu vaccination. Receiving the vaccines on the same day is safe and produces a good immune response. The COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against the flu, so you should still have your annual flu shot.
Evidence of flu vaccinations
Once you’ve had your vaccine, you’ll be able to get an immunisation history statement to prove your vaccination status. You can get this through myGov or by calling Medicare on 132 011.