July 3, 2025
Queensland Health has issued an alert over the rising number of hospitalisations in Queensland for influenza and COVID-19.
During the past week (June 23-29), more than 2800 flu cases have been recorded, the highest number in a single week so far this year.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll said nearly 300 Queensland hospital beds per day were currently occupied by patients with flu or COVID-19.
“Around half of all flu hospitalisations and 65 per cent of COVID hospitalisations are among people aged 65 and over,” Dr Carroll said.
Dr Carroll said more than 90 per cent of Queenslanders admitted to hospital with flu or COVID-19 were not up-to-date with their vaccinations.
“Vaccination is especially important for anyone aged 65 years or older and people at higher risk of severe COVID-19. I encourage people to discuss their COVID vaccine and booster options with their vaccine provider,” Dr Carroll said.
“For influenza, nearly 3000 people have been hospitalised this year with almost all of these hospitalisations (92 per cent) being among people who were not vaccinated.”
This year, nearly 450 children aged between six months and 17 years have been hospitalised for the flu in Queensland.
“Children are more likely to catch and spread influenza contributing to transmission in the community, but also young children are vulnerable to serious illness from the flu,” Dr Carroll said.
“While you may still get the flu after being vaccinated, the primary purpose of the vaccine is to prevent serious illness and hospitalisation.”
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Influenza, RSV and COVID-19 surveillance data as of June 29:
Influenza – 29,514 flu cases so far this year:
- 2904 (10 per cent) were aged less than 5 years, while 5542 (19 per cent) were aged 65 years and over
- 2992 people have been admitted to hospital (119 people in hospital on June 29). Of these hospitalisations, 1450 (48 per cent) were aged 65 years and older
- There have been 80 flu-related deaths this year
Respiratory Syncytial Virus – 17,375 RSV cases so far this year:
- 4737 (27 per cent) were children aged less than two years
- 2044 (12 per cent) were admitted to hospital (61 people in hospital on June 29). Of these hospitalisations, 811 (40 per cent) were aged less than two years
COVID-19 – 21,297 cases have been reported so far this year:
- 5272 (25 per cent) were aged 75 years and over
- 4428 (21 per cent) were admitted to hospital (173 people in hospital on June 29). Of these hospitalisations, 2864 (65 per cent) were aged 65 years and older.
