The influenza virus, also known as flu, is around in our community.

Influenza is serious and can make your child really sick, especially children under the age of 5 years with some needing to go to hospital.

Each year, many young children are infected with flu. It spreads very easily between people who are in close contact, including young children at school, childcare centres or social gatherings.

The best way to help protect your child and boost their immune system is to get them vaccinated against flu as soon as possible so they can be protected through winter. Vaccinating your child helps to protect them from flu. This means they won’t miss out on the things they love and helps to protect the rest of the family and the community too.

Anyone aged six months and older is strongly encouraged to get the flu vaccine. Since the influenza virus changes every year, there is a different flu vaccine made each year to help keep protection high. Free flu vaccines are available for all children aged 6 months to 5 years.

GPs can vaccinate children aged six months and over and pharmacies can vaccinate children aged five years and over.

Some providers may charge an administration or consultation fee. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if this applies to you.

The flu vaccine can also be given at the same time as other childhood vaccines making it easy and convenient.

Speak to your doctor today. Now is the best time to get your child, and the whole family, vaccinated against flu.

For more information on getting a flu vaccine, visit health.nsw.gov.au/flu