For all NSW children between 6 months and 5 years old, free flu vaccinations will now be available. The program will target more than 400,000 children across the state.
In 2017, there were more than 12,000 confirmed cases of influenza among children under five, with countless unconfirmed cases.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to the virus and are most likely to spread the flu and suffer complications than healthy adults to develop severe symptoms and secondary conditions which can be fatal. This free vaccination will keep them safe during winter and also protect family, friends and those within the community. It's vital that parents take up this offer and vaccinate their child to keep them safe during winter. It's not only effective for the child but also stops the spread of infection to family and friends. The flu can be deadly for a child and the government is giving families a chance to make sure their child is not put at risk. Please make sure that children are vaccinated to build up their own immunity and to stop the spread of infections.
Australians eligible for free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program:
- People aged 65 years and over
- Pregnant women
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait people aged six months to five years, and 15 years and older
- People aged six months and over with medical conditions including asthma, lung or heart disease, low immunity or diabetes
The NSW government will invest $3.5 million in 2018 for the children's flu vaccines, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Tuesday.
Reference:
Kate Aubusson, Free flu vaccines for all NSW children under five years after horror flu season, Sydney Morning Herald, January 23, 2018.
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