The Queensland Government will cover the full cost of influenza vaccination for patients not eligible under the National Immunisation Program, starting from 22 July, in response to a severe flu season. 

The state has recorded more than 51,400 cases of influenza so far this year compared with fewer than 44,450 cases across 2022.  

Since the start of July, almost 80 children aged between six months and four years have been hospitalised with influenza — mostly the B strain. 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said health experts had warned that influenza vaccination rates were low in the state.