Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious illness caused by influenza viruses.
Influenza can cause serious illness in children aged 5 and under, and particularly those under 2 years old. This could include lung infection (pneumonia) or severe breathing difficulties requiring hospitalisation.
Influenza can spread quickly when large numbers of people are in close contact, such as at school, childcare centres and social gatherings.
Influenza is serious.
Getting a flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.
Your yearly flu vaccine offers you and your family the best protection from getting really sick and is free for:
Book your flu vaccine at your GP, pharmacy or Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS). Everyone aged 2 years or over can get their flu vaccination at a pharmacy. Parents or carers with children aged 6 months to under 2 years old should see their GP or AMS for their flu vaccine.
If you have an older child who is not eligible for a free flu vaccine, speak to your GP, pharmacist or AMS about getting your child vaccinated.
It takes about two weeks after getting vaccinated for your child to be protected from influenza.
If your child is 2, 3 or 4 years old, they can get a free nasal spray flu vaccine.
Getting a nasal spray flu vaccine is simple. Your healthcare professional will spray the vaccine into your child’s nose. One spray is given into each nostril. It is gentle, painless and needle-free. The spray is absorbed fast, so even if you sneeze right after, it still works.
Nasal spray flu vaccine is just as effective as the influenza vaccine injection. It helps protect your child from getting really sick from influenza by building your child’s immunity to flu viruses.
It contains tiny amounts of weakened flu viruses that help your body learn how to fight the real virus. A runny or blocked nose, headache, tiredness, fever or sore throat are common side effects following vaccination and generally last a day or two. Vaccination builds protection by mimicking a natural infection to stimulate the body’s immune response.
Speak with your GP, pharmacist or AMS about the most suitable flu vaccine option for your child.
View the Nasal spray influenza vaccine fact sheet for more information.
For more information on the nasal spray flu vaccine (intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine or LAIV), visit, Influenza vaccines – frequently asked questions (FAQs) | NCIRS
Most symptoms can be managed with:
If you are worried about your child's symptoms speak to your GP or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free instant health advice anytime, anywhere.
Call triple zero (000) to seek urgent medical advice if your child has any of the below symptoms:
If your child has influenza-like symptoms keep them home from school, childcare and other activities until they are well and their fever has gone. It is important they stay home until their fever has gone without the use of medicine that stops fever (like paracetamol).
Children who have a confirmed diagnosis of influenza may be infectious for at least 10 days.
Avoid close contact with other people to prevent others from also getting sick.
This is especially important if you visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness from influenza. This includes visiting pregnant women, young infants, older people or people in hospital or residential care facilities.
Read the Influenza fact sheet for more information.
I’m worried about my child’s illness, what should I do?
Talk to your GP early if you are worried about your child's illness.
Most children can be managed safely at home. For more information see the influenza fact sheet.
If your child is younger than 5 years (and especially younger than 2 years) or of any age with a pre-existing health condition (like asthma, a neurological condition, a heart condition or diabetes) and develops influenza-like symptoms, they may be more likely to become unwell from influenza. Talk to your doctor for further advice.
If your child is unwell call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free 24/7 medical advice from a registered nurse.
Call Triple Zero (000) if it’s a life-threatening emergency.
All vaccines approved for use in Australia have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they are safe and effective.
A vaccine must pass clinical trial phases before it can be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Even once a vaccine has been approved by the TGA, it continues to be monitored closely to ensure the safety and well-being of all Australians.
For more information visit the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS).
Recent vaccine safety data is available on the AusVaxSafety website.
