Flu shots to be mandatory for aged care visitors

All visitors to Queensland aged care homes will be required to have proof of their 2021 flu shots from the end of next month.

A change in public health orders will mean from May 30, all adults and children older than six months must have received the influenza jab before entering aged care facilities to prevent a deadly outbreak.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the best time to get the vaccine for protection during winter was from the end of April.

“Last year we saw a significant decrease in flu cases due to social distancing and meticulous hand hygiene and we thank everyone for their amazing effort,” she said.

“It is important to avoid preventable flu patient…