Good news! Getting your flu shot will help you and the people around you stay well this winter. The flu vaccine for children is particularly important as children, especially babies and toddlers, need special protection from the flu.

The flu vaccine for children is just as crucial as other routine childhood vaccines and will protect them against the most common strains of the flu and possibly serious illness.

What is the flu? Why is a flu vaccination for children important?

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and headache. Flu illness can be mild to severe, and in some cases, life-threatening. Annual influenza vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent the flu and its complications. Children, especially those under five years old, are at high risk of developing complications from the flu due to their immature immune systems.

People at Risk of Flu

It’s important that young children, toddlers and infants receive the flu vaccine. Currently, the uptake for this age group is low and needs to be improved to reduce serious illness. Children under five, pregnant women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are most at risk of becoming seriously ill with the flu and requiring subsequent hospitalisation.

Flu Vaccine Eligibility

Flu vaccines for children 5 years and above, generally incur an upfront cost of $22 per vaccine from your local medical clinic. However, children 6 months -4 years and special-risk individuals, are eligible to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The NIP provides free vaccines to eligible individuals to protect against vaccine-preventable diseases, including influenza.

Stay Informed

You can stay up-to-date on recommendations regarding flu vaccines for children and other vaccinations by visiting the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). The Health Vic site also includes vaccine eligibility criteria and useful resources.

Why come to us?

Doctors at our medical centres are passionate about providing the best care and protection for their patients. They recommend you stay up-to-date with your immunisations, especially flu vaccinations for children and other at-risk individuals over the coming winter months.

Friendly staff and nurses are on hand at every centre to assist doctors and to streamline timetabling and administration for flu shots, ensuring you and your family receive fast, dependable, and caring service.

Please book an appointment now by selecting FLU CLINIC on the booking system. Government-funded vaccine eligibility, for individuals, is available if determined by your doctor. Contact your local clinic for more information about this.

Flu Vaccines for Children Available Now

Flu vaccines for children are crucial for protecting their health and well-being. The best time to have your child vaccinated is before the height of the flu season. By vaccinating your child, you’re protecting them and contributing to community immunity, helping to prevent the spread of influenza to those who are most vulnerable.

Schedule your child’s flu vaccination today to ensure they stay healthy throughout the flu season and beyond it.

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