Queensland Sees Record Medical Intern Intake, Expands Free Flu Program with Nasal Spray Vaccine

Queensland Health has registered its largest-ever intake of medical interns, with 931 graduate doctors commencing rotations across the state's hospitals. Concurrently, the Queensland Government announced an expansion of its free influenza vaccination program for 2026, introducing a needle-free nasal spray vaccine for young children and broadening the scope for pharmacists to administer vaccines.

Record Medical Intern Intake Boosts Queensland Health

Queensland Health is commencing 931 medical interns in its hospitals, marking the largest intake in the state's history. Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced the intake at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

According to Minister Nicholls, the number of new medical graduates choosing Queensland for their work surpasses intakes in New South Wales and Victoria for the same period.

The new doctors are scheduled to undertake five 10-week rotations across diverse specialties, including emergency medicine and general surgery. These rotations will occur at various Queensland Health facilities, spanning from Brisbane to regional centers such as Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Rockhampton. The program is designed to provide graduates with experiences intended to encourage their long-term involvement in the public health system.

This intake takes place as Queensland's health services anticipate a demand for an additional 46,000 health workers over the next decade. Queensland Health is currently conducting a gap analysis and developing a workforce strategy to manage future growth. Dr. Nick Yim, president of the Australian Medical Association Queensland, stated that these rotations would influence the new doctors' understanding of contemporary medicine and patient care, identifying them as future specialists and general practitioners.

Queensland Unveils Expanded 2026 Free Flu Vaccination Program

The Queensland Government has announced an expanded free influenza vaccination program, effective March 1, 2026, and running until September 30, 2026. This program will be available to all Queenslanders aged six months and over, accessible at GP clinics, pharmacies, and community centers.

A new component of the program is the introduction of a needle-free nasal spray vaccine for children aged two to five years. Minister Nicholls confirmed that 500,000 doses of FluMist, the nasal spray vaccine, have been ordered for the upcoming flu season. This marks the first time such a vaccine will be available in Australia, with the aim of increasing vaccine uptake by reducing distress associated with needle vaccinations. The nasal spray vaccine will be available through community pharmacies.

Chris Owen, President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland Branch, expressed strong support for the initiative.

Owen characterized the expanded program as Australia's largest free flu program and commended the government for its implementation. He highlighted its potential to expand the role of community pharmacists in preventative health and increase access to the vaccine.

Legislative Changes Broaden Pharmacist Vaccination Scope

In conjunction with the expanded flu program, the Queensland Government plans to amend legislation. These amendments are intended to authorize trained health practitioners, including pharmacists, to administer vaccines to a broader range of age groups, in more locations, and for a wider variety of vaccine-preventable diseases across the state.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has supported these legislative changes. Hannah Knowles, Queensland PSA president, stated:

"The scope of practice reforms are aimed at improving access to care, enhancing disease prevention, and strengthening the resilience of the health system."

Professor Mark Naunton, PSA National President, encouraged other Australian jurisdictions to adopt similar regulatory changes.

2025 Flu Season Highlights Need for Expanded Vaccination

The expanded program follows the 2025 flu season, during which Queensland recorded 99,926 confirmed influenza cases, representing a 25% increase from 2024, according to Australian Centre for Disease Control statistics. Nationally, flu numbers increased by 37% in 2025 compared to 2024. Over 300 flu-related deaths were reported in Queensland in 2025.

Hospitals in Queensland reported high patient numbers due to respiratory illnesses during this period. Government data indicated that approximately 74% of flu-related hospitalizations and 63% of flu-related deaths in 2025 occurred among unvaccinated individuals. Queensland Health reported that 83% of those infected in 2025 had not been vaccinated.

In 2025, 1.74 million Queenslanders received the flu vaccine, accounting for approximately 28% of the eligible population. Community pharmacies administered over 527,000 influenza vaccinations in 2025, which represented about one-third of the doses delivered statewide and a 15% increase from 2024.

Chief Health Officer Marianne Gale encouraged Queenslanders to receive the flu vaccination, citing its importance in preventing illness and reducing demand on healthcare services.

"Vaccination is the single most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu and reduce demand on our healthcare services," Dr. Gale emphasized.

Minister Nicholls also addressed vaccine hesitancy, noting it as a nationwide concern and advocating for vaccination against flu and other preventable diseases.

Minister Nicholls urged the public, stating, "We need to ensure everyone understands the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu and other preventable diseases."

Political Reactions and Vaccine Disclosure

Opposition Leader Steven Miles supported the extension of the free flu vaccine program but commented on Premier David Crisafulli's previous refusal to disclose his influenza vaccination status, stating the government should "end the mixed messages." Premier Crisafulli had previously indicated his vaccination status was a private matter between him and his doctor.