Floor Collapse at Richlands Warehouse Disrupts Queensland Vaccine Supply
A floor collapse at a Toll-operated vaccine distribution warehouse in Richlands, Queensland, in late December 2025, has led to its closure and subsequent disruptions in vaccine deliveries across the state. This incident has impacted childhood immunisation schedules, with some general practitioner clinics reporting vaccine shortages and turning families away, despite assurances from Queensland Health that interim measures are sufficient to maintain supply. The facility served as Queensland's sole vaccine warehouse, managing the entire vaccine stockpile for Queensland Health.
Incident Unfolds
The incident occurred in late December 2025, when a section of the floor at the Toll distribution center in Richlands collapsed. The facility, which was valued at $10 million and opened in 2023, was subsequently closed due to safety concerns. This warehouse functioned as the primary distribution hub for Queensland Health's entire vaccine stockpile.
Widespread Impact on Vaccine Supply
The closure has resulted in reported delays to childhood vaccination schedules across Queensland. General practitioner clinics, including one operated by Dr. Maria Boulton in Brisbane, have reported difficulties in accessing vaccines and, in some instances, have turned families away.
Dr. Boulton specifically noted shortages for 18-month-old and four-year-old vaccines, and anticipated potential future shortages for two, four, six, and eight-month old vaccines.
However, she confirmed sufficient supplies were available for six-to-eight-week-old infants.
In addition to childhood vaccines, shortages have been reported for adult flu vaccines, particularly for individuals over 65, during what has been described as an unseasonable flu peak. Shortages for meningococcal B and rabies vaccines have also been noted.
Interim Measures and Official Response
Queensland Health confirmed that while vaccines within the Richlands warehouse remained safely refrigerated, they were temporarily inaccessible. To mitigate the disruption, Toll has relocated its operations to a site in Victoria, from where vaccines are now being delivered to Queensland clinics using coolers.
Queensland Health stated that it is collaborating with Toll Healthcare and has taken immediate actions, including establishing interim arrangements, to ensure continued supply. A spokesperson indicated that clinics should not be concerned about vaccine stock access, asserting that sufficient vaccine stock is available through these interim measures and that no additional costs are anticipated for taxpayers.
Private medical suppliers that utilized the Richlands facility, such as biotechnology company CSL, also experienced disruptions but have since established alternative supply arrangements. Toll spokespersons stated the company is actively working with customers and authorities to minimize supply chain disruption.
Public Health Guidance
Dr. Maria Boulton advised parents awaiting vaccine deliveries to allow a few days for updates. She also recommended that parents keep unvaccinated babies isolated from potential contamination sources if vaccine supplies were to decrease. For at-risk individuals experiencing flu symptoms, Dr. Boulton suggested exercising caution and avoiding crowded spaces during the unseasonable flu peak.