Parents urged to get children vaccinated against seasonal flu

After a record-high of respiratory illnesses in mid-November, parents are being urged to get the seasonal flu vaccine for their children. 

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Breda Smyth and the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Rachel Kenna are urging parents to consider the vaccine for their children as cases continue to rise.

While the number of cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is beginning to fall after reaching a record high of 734 cases in mid-November, this year’s flu season has not yet peaked. 

In the week to November 27, the number of flu cases rose by 16% to 223. The highest proportion of RSV and flu cases this year have been in children under the age of 5, followed by the over-65s.

It takes approximately two weeks for the flu vaccine to become fully effective, and parents are encouraged to take the “golden opportunity” to boost their children’s protection in advance of Christmas.

Less than 10% of eligible children aged 2 to 17 have received their vaccine so far this year. Flu vaccination is an important measure to help prevent illness and avoid putting additional pressure on our hospitals.

Chief Medical Officer Prof. Breda Smyth said: “I am concerned about the low levels of uptake for the flu vaccine for children.

“During the recent flu season in Australia, children accounted for 60% of hospitalisations, and we want to avoid seeing similar figures here.

“There is a lot of intergenerational mixing at Christmas, which is of course very much welcomed, but it does give winter viruses an opportunity to spread.

 “By getting your child vaccinated, you can help to protect older people and those who are vulnerable. If we all play our part, it will help to keep us safe this Christmas,” Prof Smyth said.

Chief Nursing Officer Rachel Kenna said: “The flu vaccination for children is a nasal spray and can be administered quickly and easily at your GP or pharmacy.

“I would encourage all parents to consider getting the vaccine for their children. I would also like to remind everyone that it is important to continue practising the key behaviours prevent the spread of winter viruses, such as hand cleaning, mask wearing on public transport and good respiratory etiquette,” she said.