QUEENSLANDERS are being urged to vaccinate, with the flu season not expected to peak until the end of the month as we head into spring.
As at August 10, there were 364 people hospitalised with flu, with numbers continuing to climb compared to the same time last week, which saw 318 hospitalisations.
Fewer than 15 per cent of children admitted to hospital with influenza have been vaccinated.
Of serious concern is the increase in hospitalisations in children under five, which has more than doubled.
Across the country in 2024, at 20.7 per cent Queensland is the lowest recorder of flu immunisations in 2024 for the age group of six months, with the ACT the highest at 45.3 per cent.
The national figure for the age group sits at 24.4 per cent for 2024, down from last year when 30.3 per cent received the vaccination.
However, the worst figures nationally are in the five to 15 years age group at 13.7 per cent, a fall in the past two years from 16.4 per cent last year and 18.6 per cent in 2022.
Queensland is the only state that has made flu vaccination free for everyone, with the program costing about $47 million to date.
“The number of some of our youngest Queenslanders presenting to hospital with the flu is obviously very concerning,” Premier Steven Miles said.
“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.”
An investment of $88 million has also been made to boost beds and workforce during one of the State’s worst flu seasons.
Emergency departments across Queensland have recorded a surge in presentations for respiratory infections including flu, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
To increase capacity and manage patient flow, the State Government has invested $88.6 million into health initiatives, including bringing online 99 new beds in South East Queensland fors long-stay patients and expanding the Hospital in the Home program.
