Queensland parents are being urged to vaccinate their young children against the flu following 51 deaths associated with the virus.
Children aged under 5 have a much higher risk of potentially deadly complications from the flu.
Already this year, 2203 children in this age bracket have been diagnosed with the flu, including 169 admitted to public hospitals with 10 in intensive care.
“We know this age group is particularly susceptible to potentially fatal complications from flu, such as sepsis and pneumonia, because their immune system is still developing, and they may lack previous exposure to flu,” Medical Director of the Immunisation Program, Dr Jonathan Malo said.
“The flu vaccine is free for children aged six months to less than five years and I urge parents, if they haven’t done so already, to book their children in for a flu vaccine.
“The vaccine is safe and one of the best ways to protect children from flu.”
Queensland is experiencing one of its worst ever starts to the flu season.
Already this year, 23,947 people have been diagnosed with the virus – almost five times the average of recent years.
This time last year, there had been 5361 flu notifications in the state.
This includes 1493 hospitalisations, 145 people ICU admissions, and at least 51 influenza-associated deaths.
Mr Malo said health authorities wanted to see more young children vaccinated against the flu.Last year, around a quarter of Queensland children aged six months to less than five years received a flu vaccine.
Children aged between six months and 9 years who are receiving a flu vaccine for the first time require two doses, with the second given four weeks after the first.
In subsequent years, they only need one flu vaccination.
