Parents urged to vaccinate their kids against the flu


Released 17/05/2019

Canberra parents are being urged to vaccinate their kids before the peak flu season hits.

The call to parents is being prompted by indications of a slower uptake in the number of kids under five getting the free flu jab this year, and a number of recent cases of influenza-like illness within a southside school.

ACT Public Health Physician Dr Vanessa Johnston said the community must not become complacent with vaccination if we want to avoid a horror flu season.

“Everyone remembers the horrendous flu season of 2017,” Dr Johnston said.

“As we are already seeing a higher than usual number of cases of influenza so far this year, we are reminding the community of the importance of vaccination to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.”

Dr Johnston also said the ACT Health Protection Service (HPS) and the Education Directorate is working closely with Namadgi School on the southside of Canberra, where a number of students and staff have become reportedly unwell with influenza-like illness.

“ACT Health is gathering more information to determine if the cause of these illnesses are indeed the flu or another respiratory virus,” Dr Johnston said.

“All parents who have children aged 6 months to under 5 years are being urged to take advantage of the free flu jab.

“Unfortunately, this year we are seeing early signs of a slower uptake in the number of kids under five receiving the free ACT Government funded flu shot. We are hearing from our Early Childhood Immunisation Clinics that there is less demand for the vaccine compared to the same time last year.

“Young children are at a higher risk of serious complications from influenza, such as pneumonia. They are also more likely to spread the flu to others. Getting children immunised also reduces the potential to spread the illness to other vulnerable members of your family, such as grandparents,” Dr Johnston said

To get your child vaccinated today, you can:

  • phone the Community Health Intake (02 5124 9977) to make an appointment at an ACT Government Early Childhood Immunisation Clinic between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 3:30pm on Wednesday, or
  • make an appointment with your GP (a consultation fee may be charged).

Children under 5 years who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time will need two doses approximately four weeks apart. Parents can book both doses at the same time.

Visit ACT Health’s website for more information: health.act.gov.au/flu

- Statement ends -

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