Queenslanders have been urged to take up the offer of a free vaccination amid warnings of a potentially significant flu season.

This year, 12,000 cases and 24 deaths have already been reported, but Health Minister Shannon Fentiman says more than 900,000 vaccines delivered so far have put the state in a better position than at the same time during the past three years.

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However, acting Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall, speaking alongside Fentiman on Wednesday, said this still meant only 16 per cent of the state’s population had received the vaccine, which, according to the data, helped reduce hospital admissions last year.

“Winter is coming, and we’re expecting the flu peak to hit us towards the end of June, so for those who aren’t vaccinated, now is the time,” McDougall said.

She also suggested people take the opportunity to get a COVID booster along with their flu shot after hospitalisations rose to 188 today from 160 last week.

Fentiman said Queensland Health would be rolling out a social media campaign to encourage people to do three things to prepare for winter: get the free flu vaccination, stay home if sick, and practise good hygiene through things like hand washing.