The question parents ask every flu season: Should kids actually get the flu vaccine?
Is the flu shot worth it for kids? Here’s what experts want parents to know.
Health authorities are encouraging Australians to get vaccinated before flu season hits its usual winter peak between June and September.
And because young children are often some of the biggest spreaders of the virus, it’s not just about protecting them, it can also help reduce the spread through families, classrooms and the wider community.
If you’ve ever had a child in daycare or early education, you’ll know just how quickly germs can spread. From nits to school sores and stomach bugs, kids are generous little sharers – and the flu is no exception.
Children under five are more likely to catch and pass on the flu than any other age group. This doesn’t just affect their classmates, it can also pose a serious risk to older relatives, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions.
With that in mind, now is a good time for parents to stay alert, reinforce hygiene habits, and consider flu vaccination as part of protecting the whole household.
Is the flu vaccine safe for kids?
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months old. Certain high-risk groups are eligible for free vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), including:
- Children under five
- Adults over 65
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Smokers and those who are immunocompromised
Vaccine hesitancy and the flu shot’s importance
Some Australians remain hesitant about vaccines post-COVID. However, experts stress that vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent serious flu complications.
“Thousands of Australians die from influenza every year,” says Dr. Brad McKay. “While it mostly affects those over 65, a handful of children under five also die from the flu. Even kids with mild symptoms can spread it widely.”
Every year, thousands of children are hospitalised due to flu complications, such as pneumonia, convulsions, and, in rare cases, encephalitis (life-threatening brain inflammation).
Common flu symptoms
Influenza can feel like a severe cold, but it often comes on suddenly with symptoms such as:
- High fever
- Body aches and fatigue
- Headache
- Sore throat and runny nose
- Cough or noisy breathing
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
Flu vaccination for kids: What parents need to know
Flu vaccination is highly recommended for children, especially those under five, as they are at higher risk of severe illness and complications.
- For babies under six months: The best protection is maternal vaccination during pregnancy.
- For kids under nine years: If they’ve never had a flu shot before, they’ll need two doses in their first year of vaccination.
“If your child catches the flu, they might just have a runny nose,” says Dr. McKay. “But if they pass it on to their grandparents, the outcome could be far more serious.”
Children with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of severe complications. This includes kids with:
- Asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions
- Heart disease
- Neurological or metabolic conditions
- Kidney or liver disease
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune systems
If your child has any of these conditions and shows flu symptoms, seek medical advice.
Is the flu vaccine safe for kids?
Yes – flu vaccines have been extensively studied since the 1930s, making them one of the safest vaccines available today. They’re updated each year to match the strains most likely to circulate, and their safety is closely monitored through the AusVaxSafety program. For most people, side effects are mild and far less serious than the risks of catching the flu. Common side effects include:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Mild fever, fatigue, or body aches
If you have any concerns, it’s a good idea to speak with your immunisation provider.
