Latest news with #QueenslandHealth
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
Brisbane news live: Free flu jabs under cloud as people ignore $25m campaign
Go to latest 'It only does any good if it's in your arm': People ignoring free flu jabs By The health minister has left a cloud over Queensland's free flu vaccine program, saying continued increases in flu cases and low vaccine uptake this year was 'very concerning'. Speaking from Greenslopes yesterday, Tim Nicholls said about 90 per cent of the more than 3600 influenza hospitalisations recorded this year were for people who had not received a vaccine. Loading About 6.13 million Queenslanders have been vaccinated for influenza since March, about 34,000 fewer than 2024 – and more than 400,000 fewer than three years ago – with Queensland Health reporting at the same time a 16 per cent increase in case numbers from the same time last year. 'We've made public announcements about [the free vaccine program], it runs on our public health messages, it runs on social media … it's been a very substantial news story,' Nicholls said. 'There really is no reason why someone is not aware that there is a free flu vaccine available … there is no reason not to get the free flu vaccine – it does no good in a bottle, it only does any good if it's in your arm.' Nicholls said the state was 'always happy' to review the $25 million vaccination campaign, but said he would wait until the end of flu season. 'It's not too late to get the free flu vaccine, it is available, [and] the investment has been made in it.' 7.30am Albanese dismisses suggestion that Xi meeting should be explained to Trump By Paul Sakkal Anthony Albanese has dismissed a suggestion that his ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, should explain to the Trump administration the prime minister's intimate meeting with Xi Jinping, details of which were revealed in this masthead. Host of the ABC's 7.30 program Sarah Ferguson spent the first portion of her interview with Albanese on Monday night asking about last week's lunch in Beijing. This masthead reported on Monday the pair discussed their upbringing and global outlook in a humour-filled discussion the Australian prime minister said had fostered 'an element of trust'. Asked if US officials had raised any questions about closer relations between Albanese and China's paramount leader, Albanese said 'No'. Here's a section of the exchange: Ferguson: 'Can I come back to that question of trust? Because I do think it's an unusual word that you've used, and I want to know what you think that that word means, apart from having a slightly advanced, developed relationship with him. Would he, for example, take a phone call from you in the event of a crisis blowing up over Taiwan to discourage him from invading or blockading Taiwan?' Loading Albanese: 'Well, that's a hypothetical which I'm not going to go into. But I have said before that anything that he has said to me has been fulfilled. There hasn't been any breaches of personal commitments that he has given to me. That doesn't mean he's agreed with everything that I've put forward – far from it. But I'd rather that than someone on an international level saying, 'Yep, we can do all that', and then doing the opposite.' Ferguson: 'So you trust him that, when he says something, he's going to keep his word?' Albanese: 'I have no reason to point to any breach that has occurred up to this point.' Ferguson: 'That's about the past, what about the future?' Albanese: 'Well, all I can do is talk about the past. I can just talk about facts rather than going forward – we don't know what it will bring. We know there are significant differences. China and Australia have different political systems. We have different values. We have our alliance with the United States which is very important.' 7.21am 'It only does any good if it's in your arm': People ignoring free flu jabs By Catherine Strohfeldt The health minister has left a cloud over Queensland's free flu vaccine program, saying continued increases in flu cases and low vaccine uptake this year was 'very concerning'. Speaking from Greenslopes yesterday, Tim Nicholls said about 90 per cent of the more than 3600 influenza hospitalisations recorded this year were for people who had not received a vaccine. Loading About 6.13 million Queenslanders have been vaccinated for influenza since March, about 34,000 fewer than 2024 – and more than 400,000 fewer than three years ago – with Queensland Health reporting at the same time a 16 per cent increase in case numbers from the same time last year. 'We've made public announcements about [the free vaccine program], it runs on our public health messages, it runs on social media … it's been a very substantial news story,' Nicholls said. 'There really is no reason why someone is not aware that there is a free flu vaccine available … there is no reason not to get the free flu vaccine – it does no good in a bottle, it only does any good if it's in your arm.' Nicholls said the state was 'always happy' to review the $25 million vaccination campaign, but said he would wait until the end of flu season. 'It's not too late to get the free flu vaccine, it is available, [and] the investment has been made in it.' 7.16am A hazy shade of winter The forecast for Brisbane today spells a cool day with a chance of a shower or two. A top temperature of 22 degrees is expected, with much the same for the rest of the week. But while today is about a 50-50 chance of rain, tomorrow is almost guaranteed to be wet. Here's how the week ahead is looking: 7.14am While you were sleeping Here's what's making news further afield this morning: Voters are lukewarm to any surprise reforms from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, clearly oppose change to the GST and want the Coalition to work more closely with the government to reach consensus on new policies rather than oppose them outright, a survey has revealed. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has assured her colleagues the Liberal Party can only improve on its disastrous showing at the May federal election. The Greens co-founder booted from the party at the weekend has hit back, accusing the organisation of becoming 'too weird and unlikeable' and urging the federal leader to intervene. Justin Flowers has $300,000 in the bank and he can't get a home loan. The 52-year-old, who runs his own graphic design business, had bought and sold a few properties, upsizing to accommodate his family of four. But he divorced, and he is now single and renting without hope he can repurchase. As her newspaper prepared to publish details of a bawdy birthday card Donald Trump allegedly wrote to Jeffrey Epstein, Emma Tucker's phone rang. The British editor then stood her ground in face of a furious US president. And political and international editor Peter Hartcher writes that Trump's original White House strategist Steve Bannon still insists the 'deep state' runs the world. And while Bannon has many questions, he has few answers. 7.03am The top stories this morning Good morning, and welcome to Brisbane Times' live news coverage for Tuesday, July 22. Today should be cloudy, with a top temperature of 22 degrees. In this morning's local headlines: Complications with a 'once in a generation' under-river infrastructure project are forcing officials to dump millions of litres of raw sewage and stormwater directly into the Brisbane River. A man has been jailed after a Queensland grandmother was killed and her daughter seriously injured when the stolen car he was driving crashed into theirs car at high speed and he fled. A banned e-scooter and e-bike company has returned to Brisbane streets – but not as you might expect, as the global micromobility hire company merges with one of its key competitors. Queensland authorities say they will investigate multiple reported crocodile sightings on the Sunshine Coast, hundreds of kilometres south of Queensland's 'croc country'. Fresh off his maiden starting appearance in Wallabies colours in defeat to the British and Irish Lions, Tom Lynagh will brace for a future in which he is pitted against his brother in an international club clash.
The Age
a day ago
- Health
- The Age
Brisbane news live: Free flu jabs under cloud as people ignore $25m campaign
Go to latest 'It only does any good if it's in your arm': People ignoring free flu jabs By The health minister has left a cloud over Queensland's free flu vaccine program, saying continued increases in flu cases and low vaccine uptake this year was 'very concerning'. Speaking from Greenslopes yesterday, Tim Nicholls said about 90 per cent of the more than 3600 influenza hospitalisations recorded this year were for people who had not received a vaccine. Loading About 6.13 million Queenslanders have been vaccinated for influenza since March, about 34,000 fewer than 2024 – and more than 400,000 fewer than three years ago – with Queensland Health reporting at the same time a 16 per cent increase in case numbers from the same time last year. 'We've made public announcements about [the free vaccine program], it runs on our public health messages, it runs on social media … it's been a very substantial news story,' Nicholls said. 'There really is no reason why someone is not aware that there is a free flu vaccine available … there is no reason not to get the free flu vaccine – it does no good in a bottle, it only does any good if it's in your arm.' Nicholls said the state was 'always happy' to review the $25 million vaccination campaign, but said he would wait until the end of flu season. 'It's not too late to get the free flu vaccine, it is available, [and] the investment has been made in it.' 7.30am Albanese dismisses suggestion that Xi meeting should be explained to Trump By Paul Sakkal Anthony Albanese has dismissed a suggestion that his ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, should explain to the Trump administration the prime minister's intimate meeting with Xi Jinping, details of which were revealed in this masthead. Host of the ABC's 7.30 program Sarah Ferguson spent the first portion of her interview with Albanese on Monday night asking about last week's lunch in Beijing. This masthead reported on Monday the pair discussed their upbringing and global outlook in a humour-filled discussion the Australian prime minister said had fostered 'an element of trust'. Asked if US officials had raised any questions about closer relations between Albanese and China's paramount leader, Albanese said 'No'. Here's a section of the exchange: Ferguson: 'Can I come back to that question of trust? Because I do think it's an unusual word that you've used, and I want to know what you think that that word means, apart from having a slightly advanced, developed relationship with him. Would he, for example, take a phone call from you in the event of a crisis blowing up over Taiwan to discourage him from invading or blockading Taiwan?' Loading Albanese: 'Well, that's a hypothetical which I'm not going to go into. But I have said before that anything that he has said to me has been fulfilled. There hasn't been any breaches of personal commitments that he has given to me. That doesn't mean he's agreed with everything that I've put forward – far from it. But I'd rather that than someone on an international level saying, 'Yep, we can do all that', and then doing the opposite.' Ferguson: 'So you trust him that, when he says something, he's going to keep his word?' Albanese: 'I have no reason to point to any breach that has occurred up to this point.' Ferguson: 'That's about the past, what about the future?' Albanese: 'Well, all I can do is talk about the past. I can just talk about facts rather than going forward – we don't know what it will bring. We know there are significant differences. China and Australia have different political systems. We have different values. We have our alliance with the United States which is very important.' 7.21am 'It only does any good if it's in your arm': People ignoring free flu jabs By Catherine Strohfeldt The health minister has left a cloud over Queensland's free flu vaccine program, saying continued increases in flu cases and low vaccine uptake this year was 'very concerning'. Speaking from Greenslopes yesterday, Tim Nicholls said about 90 per cent of the more than 3600 influenza hospitalisations recorded this year were for people who had not received a vaccine. Loading About 6.13 million Queenslanders have been vaccinated for influenza since March, about 34,000 fewer than 2024 – and more than 400,000 fewer than three years ago – with Queensland Health reporting at the same time a 16 per cent increase in case numbers from the same time last year. 'We've made public announcements about [the free vaccine program], it runs on our public health messages, it runs on social media … it's been a very substantial news story,' Nicholls said. 'There really is no reason why someone is not aware that there is a free flu vaccine available … there is no reason not to get the free flu vaccine – it does no good in a bottle, it only does any good if it's in your arm.' Nicholls said the state was 'always happy' to review the $25 million vaccination campaign, but said he would wait until the end of flu season. 'It's not too late to get the free flu vaccine, it is available, [and] the investment has been made in it.' 7.16am A hazy shade of winter The forecast for Brisbane today spells a cool day with a chance of a shower or two. A top temperature of 22 degrees is expected, with much the same for the rest of the week. But while today is about a 50-50 chance of rain, tomorrow is almost guaranteed to be wet. Here's how the week ahead is looking: 7.14am While you were sleeping Here's what's making news further afield this morning: Voters are lukewarm to any surprise reforms from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, clearly oppose change to the GST and want the Coalition to work more closely with the government to reach consensus on new policies rather than oppose them outright, a survey has revealed. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has assured her colleagues the Liberal Party can only improve on its disastrous showing at the May federal election. The Greens co-founder booted from the party at the weekend has hit back, accusing the organisation of becoming 'too weird and unlikeable' and urging the federal leader to intervene. Justin Flowers has $300,000 in the bank and he can't get a home loan. The 52-year-old, who runs his own graphic design business, had bought and sold a few properties, upsizing to accommodate his family of four. But he divorced, and he is now single and renting without hope he can repurchase. As her newspaper prepared to publish details of a bawdy birthday card Donald Trump allegedly wrote to Jeffrey Epstein, Emma Tucker's phone rang. The British editor then stood her ground in face of a furious US president. And political and international editor Peter Hartcher writes that Trump's original White House strategist Steve Bannon still insists the 'deep state' runs the world. And while Bannon has many questions, he has few answers. 7.03am The top stories this morning Good morning, and welcome to Brisbane Times' live news coverage for Tuesday, July 22. Today should be cloudy, with a top temperature of 22 degrees. In this morning's local headlines: Complications with a 'once in a generation' under-river infrastructure project are forcing officials to dump millions of litres of raw sewage and stormwater directly into the Brisbane River. A man has been jailed after a Queensland grandmother was killed and her daughter seriously injured when the stolen car he was driving crashed into theirs car at high speed and he fled. A banned e-scooter and e-bike company has returned to Brisbane streets – but not as you might expect, as the global micromobility hire company merges with one of its key competitors. Queensland authorities say they will investigate multiple reported crocodile sightings on the Sunshine Coast, hundreds of kilometres south of Queensland's 'croc country'. Fresh off his maiden starting appearance in Wallabies colours in defeat to the British and Irish Lions, Tom Lynagh will brace for a future in which he is pitted against his brother in an international club clash.
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Health
- Sky News AU
Urgent alert issued after second ever Australian case of Clade 1 strain of monkeypox detected, Queensland Health confirm
An urgent health warning has been issued after a rare strain of monkeypox was detected from a returned overseas traveller in Queensland. Queensland Health confirmed the case of monkeypox was detected in the state's Metro South region with the patient being treated at Logan Hospital. Testing revealed it was a Clade 1 strain of the virus. This makes it the second confirmed case of the deadly strain to be detected in Australia. The case was detected from an overseas traveller with the risk to the wider community relatively low. Queensland Health confirmed exposure to the public had been limited with contact tracing taking place following the detection. Monkeypox is a viral infection with typically mild symptoms, including fever, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash or lesions. It spreads primarily through close or intimate contact. The Clade 1 strain is known to cause higher numbers of severe illnesses. Health Minister Tim Nicolls said the infection was acquired in central Africa. 'He was not contagious on the return journey to Australia from Africa and those close contacts that he has been in contact with, including at the emergency ward and in other locations, are being contact traced right now and identified," Mr Nicholls said. He said health authorities had identified 19 community contacts, including members of the man's family and 40 hospital staff contacts. Free Monkeypox vaccines are available to high-risk groups through GPs and sexual health clinics. Two doses are recommended for optimal protection. 'Vaccination is available for post-exposure prophylaxis as well as primary preventive vaccination. High risk groups, including all sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men and their partners, are eligible for free vaccines through sexual health clinics and general practitioners,' Mr Nicholls said. "Over a year ago there were some restrictions on the availability of the vaccine, but Queensland has ample supplies of the vaccine, and the vaccine is provided free of charge through sexual health clinics and some GPs." Monkeypox was first detected in Australia in May 2022. The first case of the Clade 1 strain was confirmed in New South Wales in May this year. Queensland Health is monitoring the situation.
The Australian
3 days ago
- Health
- The Australian
Queensland Health confirms rare strain of monkeypox detected in Metro South region
An urgent health alert has been issued after a strain of monkeypox - confirmed to be a strain known to cause a widespread 'pox-like' rash - was detected in a returned Australian travelled. Queensland Health confirmed the case of monkeypox (Mpox) was detected in the state's Metro South region. Testing revealed it to be the Clade 1 strain of the virus - marking the second time in history the more serious strain has ever been detected in Australia. A Clade 1 strain of the monkeypox virus was detected in a returned Australian traveller, Queensland Health has confirmed. Picture: Supplied The case was acquired overseas but authorities say the risk to the wider community is very low. Queensland Health confirmed exposure to the public had been limited and contact tracing was underway after the detection. According to the Australian Immunisation Handbook, the symptoms of Mpox can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, headache and muscle aches, followed by a rash within 2-4 days of infection. It spreads primarily through close or intimate contact. Complications of the virus can range from bacterial infections to enciphalitus and pneumonia. The Clade 1 strain of the virus is known cause higher numbers of severe illnesses. Queensland Health said public exposure has been limited. Picture: NewsWire/Glenn Campbell Free Mpox vaccines are available to high-risk groups through sexual health clinics and GPs. 'Vaccination is available for post-exposure prophylaxis as well as primary preventive vaccination. High risk groups, including all sexually active gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men and their partners, are eligible for free vaccines through sexual health clinics and general practitioners,' Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said. Minister for Health Tim Nicholls said Queensland health was monitoring the situation. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard Two doses are recommended for optimal protection. Those travelling to areas with Clade 1 transmission are encouraged to get vaccinated before departure. Queensland Health is monitoring the situation.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Health emergency: Deadly Mpox strain Clade 1 hits Australia, only the 2nd case ever
IANS Rare and dangerous mpox strain detected in Queensland A rare and more dangerous strain of the Mpox virus, known as Clade 1, has been confirmed in Queensland, marking the first-ever case in the state and only the second known detection of this strain in Australia's history. Queensland Health officials say the individual had recently returned from overseas and was diagnosed while seeking care at Logan Hospital in the state's Metro South region. Contact tracing is currently underway, and public health teams are working to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed. 'Clade 1 is notorious for causing a more widespread rash, big blisters or pox-like lesions, typically all over the body,' said Dr. Paul Griffin, infectious diseases expert. 'And because it is more severe, they can have other symptoms like high fevers.'The virus, previously known as monkeypox, spreads primarily through close, prolonged, or intimate contact, including skin-to-skin contact or exposure to bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials like clothing or bedding. The patient is in isolation, and authorities say there is no current threat to the broader community. Mpox Clade 1 is far more severe than Clade 2, the milder strain that caused most of Australia's 2022 outbreak. Clade 1 has been associated with higher rates of complications, including secondary infections and in rare cases, first Australian case of Clade 1 was reported in New South Wales in May 2025, also in a traveler returning from Africa. Clade 1 is more common in Central Africa and has been spreading more widely in the past year, prompting increased surveillance globally. What is MPox?Mpox is a viral infection similar to smallpox, but typically milder. It causes fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic blistering rash. What makes Clade 1 different? Clade 1 is a more dangerous strain. It causes larger, widespread blisters, more severe fever, and sometimes serious complications. It has a higher mortality rate than Clade 2, particularly in countries with limited healthcare access. How does Mpox spread? Mpox spreads through: Close or intimate contact (skin-to-skin, kissing, sex) Contact with lesions or scabs Respiratory droplets in close, prolonged face-to-face interaction Contaminated clothing, bedding, or surfaces Who is at risk?While anyone can contract Mpox, the risk is higher for: People with multiple intimate partners Travelers returning from endemic areas Close contacts of confirmed cases Healthcare and frontline workers Is there a vaccine?Yes. Australia offers free MPox vaccines to high-risk individuals. Two doses are recommended for full protection. Contact your local sexual health clinic or GP to book.
