Flu vaccination for young children

• Children under 5 are more likely to get severe flu infections.  
• They are more likely to have to go to hospital, and sometimes children may die from complications of severe flu infection. 
• Your child can get the flu vaccine for free if they are between 6 months and 5 years old. 
• If your child is over 5 years old and not eligible for a free vaccine talk to your GP. 

Where to get the flu vaccine for your child

• The vaccine is available from your GP. 
• The flu vaccine is free for children between 6 months and 5 years old. 
• You may need to pay a consultation fee to the doctor. 
• Some local councils run vaccine clinics. immunisation sessions. 

Safety of flu vaccine for children

• The flu vaccine is safe for children. 
• It is reviewed and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration
• They are part of the Australian Government. 
• Some children have mild side effects after receiving the flu vaccine. Learn about the mild side effects of the flu vaccine they may experience.
• Seek medical attention if your child has a serious reaction to the flu vaccine. 

When your child should have the flu vaccine

• Flu is most common from June until September.  
• The best time to get the vaccine is from mid-April. 
• All children under nine years of age should have two doses the first time they have a flu vaccine. 
• This should be at least four weeks apart in the first year receiving the vaccine. 
• After that, you only need one dose of vaccine per year. 

Information for pregnant women

• Getting the flu vaccine is important if you are pregnant. 
• The protection for your baby does not last beyond 6 months of age. 
• It is important for your baby to get the flu vaccine when they are 6 months old.   

Information about allergies

• Most types of flu vaccine contain a very small amount of egg protein. 
• If your child has a mild egg allergy, they can still have the flu vaccine. 
• If your child has a severe egg allergy, talk to your doctor about the vaccine. 
• The vaccine can be given to your child by a person experienced in severe allergic conditions.