Virus outbreak explodes in Queensland, child hospital admissions double – worst is yet to come

Queensland has issued an urgent health warning after the number of children under five in hospital with flu doubled in just a few days.

The state’s Health Minister Shannon Fentiman urged Queenslanders to get free flu vaccinations, with vaccinations available at the Ekka show in Brisbane.

Only 15 percent of children in hospital have received the shot this year. With flu season not peaking for another two weeks, Fentiman says it is vital that parents get their children vaccinated as soon as possible.

Queensland Health data shows 364 people were admitted to hospital with flu on August 10, including 28 children under five.

That number has risen from 318 last week, including 13 children.

That number is likely to rise further as thousands of people gather at the Brisbane Showgrounds for Ekka, the state’s biggest annual event, which runs from August 10 to 18.

Queensland is the only Australian state to offer free flu vaccinations, yet only 28 percent of the population have received the jab.

The program has cost taxpayers $47 million over the past two years.

Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman urged Queenslanders to get free flu vaccinations after the number of children under five in hospital doubled (stock image)

Ms Fentiman warned that it ‘may be weeks before the worst flu epidemic occurs’.

“I am asking all Queenslanders to get their free flu vaccination,” she said on Sunday.

‘No one wants their child or loved one to be hospitalised. We know that vaccination makes a big difference when it comes to the risk of being hospitalised with flu.

“This doubling in hospital admissions is concerning for Queensland’s youngest residents and I am urging parents across the state to get themselves and their children vaccinated.”

Ms Fentiman said the vaccine was being made free after two “horrible flu seasons” in 2022 and 2023.

“You can get your free flu shot at the pharmacy, at your GP and even at Ekka,” she said.

Premier Steven Mile said it was “deeply worrying” to see the number of children in hospital with flu rising sharply.

Ms Fentiman warned the state was ‘potentially weeks away from the worst of the flu season’ (stock image)

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

“That’s why we made the flu vaccine free, so that cost is no longer a barrier to staying safe and healthy.”