Queensland has issued an urgent health warning after the number of children under five hospitalised with flu doubled in just a few days.
State Health Minister Shannon Fentiman urged Queenslanders to get their free flu vaccinations as the jabs were even available at Brisbane’s Ekka show.
Only 15 per cent of hospitalised children have received their vaccine this year and, with the peak of flu season still two weeks away, Ms Fentiman said it was essential for parents to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible.
Queensland Health data showed 364 people were hospitalised with flu on August 10, including 28 children under the age of five.
That number was up from 318 last week, including 13 children.
That number is likely to rise as thousands of people gather at Brisbane Showgrounds for Ekka, the state’s biggest annual event which runs from August 10-18.
Queensland is the only Australian state offering free flu vaccinations, but only 28 per cent of the population has received the vaccine.
The program has cost taxpayers $47 million over the past two years.
Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman has urged Queenslanders to get free flu vaccinations after the number of children under five in hospital doubled (file image)
Ms Fentiman warned the state is “potentially weeks away from seeing the worst of the flu season”.
“I’m calling on all Queenslanders to get their free flu vaccine,” he said on Sunday.
‘No one wants to see their child or loved one hospitalized, and we know that vaccination makes a big difference when it comes to the risk of being hospitalized with the flu.
“This doubling of hospitalisations is worrying for our youngest Queenslanders and I am calling on parents across the state to get vaccinated and get their children vaccinated.”
Ms Fentiman said the vaccine was made free after two “terrible flu seasons” in 2022 and 2023.
“You can get your flu vaccine for free at the pharmacy, at your GP and even at Ekka,” he said.
First Minister Steven Mile said it was “very worrying” to see the sharp rise in children being hospitalised with flu.
Ms Fentiman warned the state is “possibly weeks away from seeing the worst of the flu season” (file image)
“It is absolutely critical that everyone who can gets vaccinated against flu, to help protect the most vulnerable people in our community,” she said.
“That’s why we’ve made the flu vaccine free, so cost isn’t a barrier to staying safe and healthy.”
