News
15 July, 2024
Concerns raised after flu rates double for young children
Hospitalisations of Queensland children under five with the flu have more than doubled in the past week, prompting urgent calls for parents to get their children vaccinated ahead of the peak flu season.
Hospitalisations of Queensland children under five with the flu have more than doubled in the past week, prompting urgent calls for parents to get their children vaccinated ahead of the peak flu season.
As of August 10, 364 people have been hospitalised with the flu, a significant increase from 318 last week.
Hospitalisations among children under 5 years have risen from 13 to 28 in just one week.
Less than 15% of those admitted to hospital had received a flu vaccination.
Premier Steven Miles expressed concern over the rise in flu-related hospitalisations among young children, stressing the importance of vaccination to protect vulnerable community members.
“It is absolutely critical that everyone who can gets their flu shot,” Dr Miles said.
“That’s why we’ve made the vaccine free—so cost isn’t a barrier to staying safe.”
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman urged Queenslanders to take action, especially with the flu season expected to peak in the coming weeks.
“No one wants to see their child or loved one hospitalised,” she said. “Vaccination makes a huge difference in reducing the risk of severe illness.”
Flu shots are available for free at chemists, GPs, and even at the Ekka, with the aim of curbing the spread of this year’s particularly severe flu season.
