Free flu jabs offered at Ekka as experts say peak has passed

The mythical link between the flu and the Ekka has been busted by a leading infectious diseases expert, who also said the worst of this year’s horror flu season appears over.

The mythical link between the flu and the Ekka has been busted, with one of the state’s leading infectious diseases experts labelling historical flu peaks around Ekka time as “coincidence”.

And in more good news Mater director of infectious disease Professor Paul Griffin said he believed the worst of this year’s horror flu season was over but said it was not a sign that people should not be up to date with the vaccines.

Free flu jabs will be offered all week at the Ekka and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said there were still too many cases of flu among young people.

For the week starting on Monday July 31 there were 1983 cases of Influenza, down from 2618 on the week of Monday July 24 and 3061 on the week of Monday July 17. 

The influenza clinic will be open until August 20 from 9am to 6pm, for anyone aged five to adults, at the Agricultural Education Hall.

More than 300 vaccinations were done in the first two days of the show.

Dr Paul Griffin. Picture: Supplied

Infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin said it looked like the peak of the flu season had passed.

“It looks like case numbers and impact on hospitals has declined. I think we have passed the peak,” he said.

While the Ekka has often been called a breeding ground for flu, Dr Griffin said it was because it coincided with the peak of the season usually.

“I think it probably is largely a coincidence most years although it is a fairly large gathering so it does have the potential to facilitate some spread, particularly to some rural areas,” he said.

But he said it was always a timely reminder to get vaccinated.

Crowds at this year’s Ekka. Picture: Richard Walker

Health minister Shannon Fentiman said since free flu jabs were offered there had been a shift in vaccination rates.

“Particularly for young people, which is excellent,” she said.

“We’re still seeing high numbers of flu, particularly for five to 17-year-olds, but we’ve seen many thousands of families get vaccinated since our announcement, which is great.”

Shannon Fentiman with Podsquad mascots, who encourage children to build healthy eating habits. Picture: Richard Walker

Ms Fentiman said it was great to see the vaccinations at the Ekka but it was also important to be vigilant.

“It’s important everyone just make sure that you know, they’re doing all those things we learned during Covid about hand sanitising and wearing a mask if you’re not well,” she said.

“But as I said, you can check out the QAS stall, and get your flu shot while you’re here.”

Another health initiative at the Ekka this year will be the interactive performance by Podsquad, which encourages children to build healthy eating habits.

Podsquad will be at presenting at the Education Stage all week of the Ekka.