Steve ‘Pricey’ Price joins flu fight as Queensland cases soar

Townsville’s favourite voice, Steve ‘Pricey’ Price, has jumped on board a big push to get North Queenslanders rolling up their tropical sleeves and getting their flu shots as the region braces for a heavy influenza season.

Townsville’s favourite voice, Steve ‘Pricey’ Price, has jumped on board a big push to get North Queenslanders rolling up their tropical sleeves and getting their flu shots before the worst of the season hits.

Teaming up with the Townsville Public Health Unit, Pricey is helping drive home the importance of vaccination as the region braces for a heavy flu season.

It comes as flu cases surge across Queensland, with six children already hospitalised and more than 15,600 cases recorded this year — a worrying 36.4 per cent jump compared to this time in 2024.

Townsville radio icon Steve ‘Pricey’ Price OAM has lent his voice to a campaign to encourage north Queensland locals to get their 'flu shots. Picture: Evan Morgan

“Getting the ‘flu can knock you around, especially if you’ve lived through a few mango seasons or you’re a bit susceptible to getting crook,” Pricey said.

“I pretty much jumped straight out of my hammock when the Townsville Hospital and Health Service asked if I could give them a hand in spreading awareness about getting the ‘flu shot.

“I wanted to help my mates at the health service get the message out because they do such a great job caring for the community.

“We don’t take things too seriously in North Queensland and we all love to have a bit of a laugh. However, influenza is one of those things we shouldn’t muck around with.

“The needle hurts less than a bite from a Rowes Bay mozzie, is cheaper than a mango you’ve picked off the tree in the backyard, and is the best method we have to protect ourselves, our kids, our loved ones, and our mates against the ‘flu.”

AMAQ president Nick Yim has blamed “vaccination fatigue” for the steady decline in flu shot uptake, despite last year’s devastating toll of 200 deaths from the infection. Between January 1 and April 20 alone, 4,000 Queenslanders aged six months to 17 years have already been diagnosed.

Townsville radio icon Steve ’Pricey’ Price OAM, with director of Townsville Public Health Unit Dr Steven Donohue, has lent his voice to a campaign to encourage north Queensland locals to get their 'flu shots. Picture: Evan Morgan

Health bosses say the flu can hit anyone — even the healthy — and the time to act is now.

“Anyone who has had genuine influenza will tell you just how bad it can be – it’s more than just a strong cold,” said Townsville Public Health Unit director Dr Steven Donohue.

“While healthy adults and children might feel they can shake it off, they can still get seriously ill, potentially leading to severe complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, or worsening of underlying health conditions. Sadly, these complications can result in hospitalisation, and even death.

“This isn’t a minor illness. It’s a serious disease circulating in our community, and early indicators suggest we are facing a significant flu season this year.

“The annual flu shot remains the best defence we have against influenza. That’s why we, alongside Pricey, are strongly encouraging everyone who can to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“You can easily get it at eligible pharmacies or through your GP and the vaccine is readily available across Townsville and north Queensland.”

Dr Donohue urged locals not to delay.

“We are especially calling out for infants over six months, the elderly, and the sick members of our community to get the ‘flu shot now.

“It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop full immunity, so getting your shot now provides the best protection before the flu season peaks in our region.”

Originally published as Steve ‘Pricey’ Price joins flu fight as Queensland cases soar