Babies (Infants) and children less than 5 years of age have a higher risk of contracting and having complications from the flu. Even healthy children can get very sick from the flu. Vaccinations for children in this age group are FREE.
Free flu vaccination for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years
Did you know that Influenza (flu) can be a very serious disease?
Last year in Australia, 39 people died from the flu with 9 deaths affecting children less than 16 years of age. This was higher than the number of flu-associated deaths in children in 2022 and in many pre-COVID-19 pandemic years.
Infants and children less than 5 years of age have a higher risk of contracting and having complications from the flu. Even healthy children can get very sick from the flu.
Annual vaccination is the most important measure to prevent the flu and its complications. It is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over.
The Important News
- 2024 annual flu vaccine is now available.
- Annual flu vaccination should occur from April/May onwards to provide protection for the peak of the flu season, which is generally June to September.
- Children aged from 6 months are strongly recommended to receive the annual flu vaccine.
- The National Immunisation Program provides free flu vaccine for all children aged 6 months to less than 5 years.
- Children aged 6 months to less than 9 years of age receiving the flu vaccine for the first time need 2 doses, 4 weeks apart. This strengthens the immune response to all vaccine strains.
- Children can get the flu vaccine either on its own or at the same appointment as their other routine vaccinations.
- Recommendations from a healthcare professional – swuch as your doctor – play an important role in improving vaccination uptake to protect all young children.
Download the Flyer for Why should I get my children vaccinated?a-flu-shot-fact-sheet
Source
Image Source
