Protect your child from influenza this year

Influenza, also known as the flu, is more than just a bad cold. It is a serious illness that can lead to hospitalisation and complications, even in healthy children¹. Many Australians think the flu is not harmful, but this is not correct. Some people will have mild to moderate symptoms, some severe. It is difficult to know how influenza will affect each person, regardless of previous experiences.

In 2025 alone, there were 58,933 laboratory confirmed flu cases in children under 5 years². This represented 12% of all cases in Australia and 17% more than in 2024. In Queensland, there were 10,400 cases.

The total number of infections in Australia was 502,940 cases (2024 was 365,602) but is likely much higher as Australians are now using Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to diagnose themselves and parents for their children. This year sees a new subclave K variance of influenza A known as ‘Super K’. This variant is new to Australia but it appears to be more transmissible than last year’s influenza A strain. We could be in for another record year. The good news is that the flu is the most common vaccine-preventable disease in Australia¹.

But, in 2025 only 26% of children under 5 years received the influenza vaccine³. This number is rapidly declining, leaving many vulnerable children susceptible to catching the flu.

Annual flu vaccination is the best protection

Doctors recommend that all children aged 6 months to under 5 years receive the flu vaccination from April every year, which protects children throughout the entire flu season. The official flu season starts from April and typically runs through to September, hence 6 months. It is best to vaccinate in the early months of the flu season, but it’s never too late to vaccinate.

Influenza is the only virus that is recommended as an annual vaccination. This is because the virus strain changes each year and the new vaccine is manufactured to provide the best protection against that strain.

The flu vaccine is also FREE for children under 5 years through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

When & where to vaccinate

Timing:

From April through to June is the best time because this is in the early stages of the flu season. However, it is never too late to get vaccinated⁴.

Locations:

Primarily through GP clinics and pharmacies

Cost:

FREE for children under 5 years as part of the NIP or through new Queensland State funded programs

It is FREE, as part of the Childhood Immunisation Program (NIP)

Especially recommended for children aged 6 months to under 5 years, Australia aims for 95% of children to receive all vaccines under the NIP Schedule. All of the immunisations are scheduled according to your child’s age and medical risk.

Prevents severe illness and hospitalisation

If your child catches the influenza virus, it can cause complications and if the symptoms are severe, your child may need to be admitted to hospital.

In Australia, older people and children under 5 years of age have the highest rate of influenza hospitalisation⁵. This is the case for all children under 5, not just those with pre-existing medical conditions.⁶

Reduces severity of symptoms

Vaccination does not stop your child catching the flu but it significantly reduces the symptoms and effects of the flu.

For the vaccine to become fully effective, there is a 2-3 week lag after vaccination occurs. This allows for antibody production.

Encouraging handwashing

Keeping children home if they’re unwell

Using masks in high-risk settings

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