Ekka flu fears: Urgent vaccination pleas as virus spreads among children

Health authorities are pleading with Queenslanders to get jabbed with cases of the flu steadily growing weeks out from an expected peak and as families flock to the Ekka.

As the number of children under five hospitalised for flu doubles within days, the health minister has stepped in with a stern warning for Queenslanders as the chief health officer’s pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

The Acting chief health officer urged parents two weeks ago to urgently get their children vaccinated but currently only 15 per cent of children in Queensland hospitals with influenza have been jabbed.

With the flu season peak still more than two weeks away and children flocking to the Ekka, healthcare concerns are at a high.

Queenslanders are being encouraged to get the free flu jab ahead of the season’s peak.

As of August 10, there were 364 people hospitalised with flu, with numbers continuing to climb compared to around the same time last week, which saw 318 hospitalisations.

Of serious concern for Health Minister Shannon Fentiman is the increase in hospitalisations seen in children under five years of age which has more than doubled – 13 last week, compared with 28 this week.

Queensland is the only state that has made flu vaccination free for all Queenslanders yet uptake has been poor. The program has been running for the last two years and to date has cost around $47 million.

Across all ages uptake is only 28 per cent.

“With the chief health officer warning we’re potentially weeks away from seeing the worst of the flu season, I’m asking all Queenslanders to please get your free flu jab” Ms Fentiman said.

Big crowds have flocked to the Ekka. Photo: Steve Pohlner

“No one wants to see their child or loved one hospitalised, and we know that vaccination makes a huge difference when it comes to the risk of being hospitalised with flu.

“This doubling of hospitalisations is concerning for our smallest Queenslanders and I am asking parents across the state, please vaccinated yourself and your kids.

“For the last two years we have seen terrible flu seasons.

“You can get your free flu vaccination at the chemist, at your GP, and even at the Ekka.”

Premier Steven Mile said it was “very concerning” to see so many children hospitalised by the flu.

“It is absolutely critical that everyone who can gets their flu shot, to help protect the most vulnerable people in our community,” he said.

“That’s why we have made the flu vaccine free, so cost isn’t a barrier to staying safe and healthy.”

Health Minister Shannon Fentiman.