Health & Wellness

It's Not Too Late to Vaccinate

from RCH Melbourne

The flu vaccine is the best way to protect children from becoming sick with the flu. Findings from our latest National Child Health Poll, released today, show that the number of parents planning to vaccinate their child against the flu is down compared to previous years. This is very worrying as even health children can get seriously unwell from the flu, especially those aged 5 and under. 

The Royal Children’s Hospital Kids Health Info fact sheet on the flu vaccine provides parents with information on the flu, and how they can protect their child against the flu this winter.   

Key points:    

• Influenza – also known as the flu – is an infection caused by a type of influenza virus.  
• The influenza (flu) vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your child from getting sick with the flu.  
• If your child is above six months of age, they should get the flu vaccine.  
• It is recommended that all children be vaccinated against the flu every year before the start of winter.  
• In Australia, the flu vaccine is free for all children aged from six months to five years, and those at higher risk of becoming very sick with the flu. In some states (QLD and WA) the flu vaccine is free for all children and adults.   
• Children under nine years who get the flu vaccine for the first time require two doses given four weeks apart.  
• The intranasal flu vaccine is a needle-free alternative to the traditional flu injection. It delivers the flu vaccine through the nose in the form of a nasal spray. This option is available for use in children aged two to less than 18 years.  

• The most common side effects of the flu vaccine are pain and redness at the injection site.   

   

The flu vaccine is readily available for children through their GP, local council immunisation clinics and many pharmacies for selected age.   

Influenza Kids Health Info fact sheet

Flu vaccine Kids Health Info fact sheet

Listen to our 2026 Flu update podcast

Don't forget that the intranasal flu vaccine, a needle-free alternative to the traditional flu injection, is now available in Australia. Our fact sheet has more information about this option for those children who are afraid of needles.

• Did you know kids aged 2 – 17 years can now receive a nasal spray flu vaccination rather than an injection into the arm?
• FluMist is a safe and effective flu vaccine that has been used to vaccinate children across North America and Europe for many years and can be a great option for kids with a fear of needles.  
• The intranasal flu vaccine is not currently part of the Australian National Immunisation Program Schedule, so in some states, including Victoria, you will have to pay for your child to get it.  
• Some states are offering free intranasal vaccines for certain age groups, so check your state’s health department website to see if your family may be eligible. 
• The regular injected flu vaccine is free for all kids aged 6 months to 5 years, as well as certain high-risk groups. 
• If your child is over 2 years of age, check in with your doctor, pharmacist or immunisation service to see which option may be best for your child.