Flu hitting kids under 5

• The number of children under 5 years of age being hospitalised with the flu has more than doubled in the last week
• Queenslanders are being reminded to get their free flu vaccination, to keep our most vulnerable safe
• Queensland Health will be providing free flu vaccinations at this year's Ekka

The hospitalisation rate of Queensland children under 5 years with flu has doubled in the last week.

With the flu season not expected to peak until the end of the month, the Health Minister is urging Queenslander parents to get themselves and their kids vaccinated.

As at 10 August 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 is the increase in hospitalisations seen in children under 5 years of age which has more than doubled – 13 last week, compared with 28 this week.

Less than 15% of children admitted to hospital with influenza have been vaccinated.

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

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“The number of some of our youngest Queenslanders presenting to hospital with the flu is obviously very concerning.

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

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

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman:

“With the Chief Medical 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.

“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 vaccinate yourself and your kids.

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

“This year and last year the Miles Government has made flu vaccination free for all Queenslanders.

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

ENDS