Brisbane Ekka 2024: Qld Health offers free flu vaccination

It’s in your and your family’s best interests to make time for this activity at this year’s Ekka – and best of all, it’s free of charge.

• Taste test: Most dekka-dent treat
• Getting there: Ekka transport

As flu cases surge to their highest levels since 2019, Queensland Health will be administering free influenza vaccines at the Ekka.

The clinic returns after the success of the 2023 initiative which saw 1800 people take up the opportunity to get a jab at the show.

The vaccines will be given by Brisbane City Council nurses every day of the Ekka inside the John Reid Pavilion.

The announcement comes as one in four people tested for flu are returning a positive result, and more than 80 per cent of flu-related hospitalisations are unvaccinated individuals.

As hospitals face increased pressure, the Government is implementing robust measures to manage patient flow and maintain high-quality care.

This includes stringent infection control measures to combat rising flu numbers and safeguard both patients and healthcare workers, as flu surpasses Covid-19 as the leading cause of hospital admissions around the state.

Last week there were 690 confirmed flu cases in children aged six months to four years, 1662 cases in school aged children, and 700 cases in Queenslanders 65 and over.

Sideshow Alley at the 2019 Ekka

Queensland Health is also directly urging schools and vaccine service providers to emphasise the critical importance of immediate flu vaccination, with children under five and those over 65 the highest risk of flu complications, making vaccination paramount.

Currently, only 20 per cent of children under five and 13 per cent of children aged five to 15 are vaccinated against the flu, leaving them at heightened risk.

Data shows the flu vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing severe disease, making vaccination essential despite rising cases.

“It’s great that we’re bringing back the Ekka flu vaccination clinic to make it easy for Queenslanders to get the protection they need” Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said

“Already this year, more than 4000 people have been hospitalised due to serious illness from the flu, and we’re still weeks away from hitting the peak.

“This puts immense pressure on our healthcare system, which is working tirelessly to care for sick patients, she said.

“That’s why we’re bringing free flu vaccinations to where we know Queenslanders will be – right near the strawberry ice-cream vans.

“Our message is simple, it’s not too late to be vaccinated so please protect yourself and your loved ones by getting your free flu shot at the Ekka.”

The Ekka runs from Saturday to August 18.