The latest update from Chief Health Officer Clare Looker that there has been an increase in hospitalizations for influenza among children by 85% over the last fortnight compared to previous fortnight. (dated May 23rd 2024).
According to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) data, only around one in ten Victorian children have received a 2024 influenza vaccine, putting them at risk of complications from contracting the virus.
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.
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. Influenza vaccination is free for children aged between 6 months and 5 years.
Schedule your child’s flu vaccination today by calling us on 9509 7633 to ensure they stay healthy throughout the flu season and beyond.
