Flu vaccine and children: Is it safe to give kids a flu shot?

Record-breaking flu season hits early – protect yourself, your kids, and the community with a safe, effective flu shot.

Australia is currently experiencing a record number of confirmed influenza cases, according to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS).

Health experts warn that this year’s flu season is kicking off earlier than usual – and may peak sooner too. With young children among the most common spreaders of the virus, the risk to families, schools, and the wider community is especially high.

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.

Now’s the time for parents to stay alert, reinforce hygiene habits, and consider flu vaccinations to help protect 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.

Hygiene habits that help protect kids from colds and flu

While vaccination is the best protection, good hygiene habits also play a big role in keeping kids (and parents!) healthy.

Using a hand sanitiser like Aqium Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser with Aloe is a quick and convenient way to keep hands clean—especially when soap and water aren’t available. Encourage kids to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating and after coughing or sneezing. Teaching them to cover their mouth with a tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze also helps stop the spread of germs.

These small daily habits, combined with vaccination, offer the best defence against cold and flu season.

With flu cases already on the rise, now’s the time to get your flu shot and help stop the spread.