Virus outbreak explodes in Queensland as children hospitalisations double – with the worst yet to come

Queensland has shared an urgent health warning after the number of children younger than five being hospitalised with the flu doubled in just a few days.

The state’s health minister Shannon Fentiman urged Queenslanders to get their free flu vaccinations with the shots even available at Brisbane’s Ekka show.

Only 15 per cent of children in hospital have received their jab this year and with the peak of flu season still two weeks away, Ms Fentiman said it is essential for parents to vaccinate their kids as soon as possible.

Queensland Health data showed 364 people were hospitalised with the flu on August 10, including 28 children under five-years-old.

That number jumped from 318 last week, including 13 children. 

That figure is likely to jump as thousands gather at Brisbane Showgrounds for the Ekka – the state’s largest annual event that runs from August 10 to 18.

Queensland is the only Australian state to offer free flu vaccinations yet only 28 per cent of the population have gotten the jab.

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

Ms Fentiman warned the state is ‘potentially weeks away from seeing the worst of the flu season’.

‘I’m asking all Queenslanders to please get your free flu jab’ she said on Sunday.

‘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 vaccinated yourself and your kids.’

Ms Fentiman said the vaccine was made free after two ‘terrible flu seasons’ in 2022 and 2023. 

‘You can get your free flu vaccination at the chemist, at your GP, and even at the Ekka,’ she said.

Premier Steven Mile said it was ‘very concerning’ to see the sharp rise in children hospitalised by the flu.

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

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

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