THE state government has launched a free flu vaccination program for children under five.
Capalaba MP Don Brown said that after the worst flu season in years, up to 300,000 children would be eligible for a free vaccination next year.
“The Palaszczuk government is investing $1 million so young children can access a potentially lifesaving vaccine for free,” Mr Brown said.
“The free vaccine will be available through general practices and other childhood immunisation providers.
“I would ask every parent who has a child who will be under five to make a note in their calendar to access this free vaccine for their child next year ahead of the 2018 flu season.”
Mr Brown said an awareness campaign would provide parents and carers with details about vaccinations.
Health Minister Cameron Dick said influenza caused the most hospital admissions of children under five.
“Children in this age group have some of the highest rates of influenza and associated complicationsand this year has been no different,” Mr Dick said.
“So far this year more than 500 children aged under five admitted to public hospitals have tested positive for influenza.”
Mr Brown said children also contributed greatly to the spread of flu and the risks of serious complications for children was high.
“That’s why we’ve developed this program, to ensure young children have the best chance of protection against influenza,” he said
Queensland will also push for inclusion of the vaccine for children on the national immunisation program.
Speaking after the Queensland influenza summit in Brisbane, Mr Dick said the government was exploring ways to better safeguard communities from flu outbreaks.
“More than 52,000 lab-confirmed cases of influenza have been recorded so far this year and more than 5600 patients admitted to hospital have tested positive to influenza,” he said.
“Unfortunately influenza cannot be eradicated so we need to continue finding ways of protecting the community from this debilitating virus.”
