DOZENS of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Warwick now have a better chance of combating this year's influenza strain thanks to co-ordinated efforts of local health care workers.

Since the beginning of April, staff from the Darling Downs Public Health Unit have delivered the annual Tackle Flu Before it Tackles You program across the South West, Darling Downs and South Burnett.

The public health campaign invites eligible people aged 15 years and over to receive their free influenza shot, and a free shirt which this year was designed by Roma artist, Michael McGuane.

"We had 63 people roll up their sleeves to receive their flu vaccination at the Warwick Tackle Flu clinic, which was a great result," DDPHU Director Dr Penny Hutchinson said.

This year's campaign had the support of North Queensland Cowboys player and NRL Australian rugby league representative Johnathan Thurston who provided signed merchandise to giveaway at the clinics.

Dr Hutchinson said the high-profile sporting star had encouraged more eligible Indigenous people to take up the free vaccination.

"A lot of people don't realise that influenza, more commonly know as flu, can lead to serious complications, hospitalisations and even death," Dr Hutchinson said this week.

"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more at risk of developing complications like pneumonia, ear infections or heart problems."

For this reason the Federal Government funds vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15 years and over.

The Tackle Flu campaign is a collaboration between the Darling Downs Public Health Unit, South West Hospital and Health Service, Darling Downs South West Queensland Medicare Local and the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation.