Queensland has achieved a significant milestone, recording its largest-ever intake of medical interns, with 931 graduate doctors commencing rotations across the state. In parallel, the Queensland Government has outlined an expanded free influenza vaccination program for 2026, introducing a needle-free nasal spray vaccine for young children and proposing legislative changes to broaden pharmacists' vaccination authority.
These initiatives are strategically designed to address both critical healthcare workforce needs and essential public health measures ahead of the upcoming flu season.
Record Medical Intern Intake Boosts Workforce
Queensland Health has welcomed 931 medical interns, marking the largest number for the state to date. This record intake, announced by Health Minister Tim Nicholls at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, surpasses numbers reported in New South Wales and Victoria for the same period.
The new doctors are slated for five 10-week rotations across diverse specialties, including emergency medicine and general surgery. These rotations will span various Queensland Health facilities, from major cities like Brisbane, Cairns, and Townsville to regional centers such as Mackay and Rockhampton. The program's design aims to provide comprehensive experience, encouraging the graduates' long-term commitment to the public health system.
Queensland faces a projected demand for an additional 46,000 health workers over the next decade. In response, Queensland Health is developing a comprehensive workforce strategy.
Dr. Nick Yim, President of the Australian Medical Association Queensland, highlighted the program's significance. "These rotations will profoundly influence the new doctors' understanding of contemporary medicine and patient care, shaping them into the future specialists our state critically needs," Yim commented.
Expanded Flu Vaccination Program and Key Reforms
The Queensland Government has unveiled an expanded free influenza vaccination program for 2026, making it available to all Queenslanders aged six months and over. The program will run from March 1 to September 30, 2026, accessible at GP clinics, pharmacies, and community centers.
A significant new feature of the program is the introduction of a needle-free nasal spray vaccine for children aged two to five years.
"This marks the first time such a vaccine will be available in Australia, and we anticipate it will substantially increase vaccine uptake among young children," Minister Tim Nicholls stated, confirming that 500,000 doses of the nasal spray vaccine, FluMist, have been ordered for the season.
Beyond vaccinations, the Queensland Government plans legislative amendments to authorize trained health practitioners, including pharmacists, to administer vaccines to more age groups in more locations for a wider range of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Chris Owen, President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Branch, lauded these initiatives, emphasizing the expanded role of community pharmacies in preventative health. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and its Queensland President, Hannah Knowles, also expressed strong support for the reforms.
Hannah Knowles noted, "These legislative reforms are crucial steps towards improving access to care, enhancing disease prevention, and strengthening the overall resilience of our health system." Professor Mark Naunton, PSA National President, encouraged other Australian jurisdictions to consider similar regulatory changes.
2025 Flu Season Data and Public Health Call to Action
Data from the 2025 flu season reveals 99,926 confirmed influenza cases in Queensland, a 25% increase from 2024. Over 300 flu-related deaths were reported during this period, with hospitals experiencing high patient numbers due to respiratory illnesses.
Government data starkly reported that 83% of individuals infected with influenza in 2025 had not been vaccinated.
Furthermore, approximately 74% of flu-related hospitalizations and 63% of flu-related deaths in 2025 occurred among unvaccinated individuals. In 2025, 1.74 million Queenslanders received the flu vaccine, representing only about 28% of the eligible population. Community pharmacies played a vital role, administering over 527,000 influenza vaccinations in 2025, roughly one-third of all doses statewide, marking a 15% increase from the previous year.
Chief Health Officer Marianne Gale strongly encouraged Queenslanders to get vaccinated.
"Receiving the flu vaccination is a critical step everyone can take to prevent illness and reduce the significant demand on our healthcare services," Dr. Gale urged.
Minister Nicholls acknowledged vaccine hesitancy as a nationwide concern, advocating for vaccination against flu and other preventable diseases. Opposition Leader Steven Miles supported the extension of the free flu vaccine program, but raised concerns regarding Premier David Crisafulli's previous non-disclosure of his influenza vaccination status.
The Premier had maintained his vaccination status was a private matter, a stance that drew scrutiny from the Opposition.