Australia’s top doctor has urged parents to have their children vaccinated as the number of influenza B cases among children spikes to its highest level in recent memory.
More than 7000 national cases of influenza have been notified for children aged five to nine so far this year, the highest of any age range, data from the Department of Health and Aged Care reveals.
Children under nine years had the highest notification rates for influenza last year and a worryingly low vaccination rate, Chief Medical Officer Anthony Lawler said.
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Last year saw a rise in influenza cases from the year before and this year’s case numbers of influenza B so far are again higher than previous years.
“There were more deaths involving influenza and RSV [in 2024] than in 2023. This is an important reminder that influenza, RSV and COVID-19 are not the common cold,” Lawler said.
“These are very serious viruses that can cause severe illness, hospitalisation and even death among otherwise healthy children and adults.”
Most cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) last year were in children aged four and under.
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The good news is Australia has vaccines available that cover both influenza A and B.
“It is important that everyone from the age of six months get vaccinated against influenza every year,” Lawler said.
Looking to get vaccinated? Here’s what you need to know.
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Where can I get flu vaccinations?
You can get influenza, RSV and COVID-19 vaccinations at local GPs, pharmacies, community health centres, Aboriginal Medical Services and immunisation clinics.
Your workplace may offer influenza vaccinations, too.
Who is eligible for free influenza vaccinations?
- Children aged six months to less than five years
- Pregnant women
- All First Nations people aged six months and older
- All people aged 65 and older
- People with certain medical conditions
For more information on the flu vaccine, head to the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
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