Released 06/05/2025
The ACT Government is making it easier for parents and carers to protect our youngest community members with a series of free pop-up influenza vaccination clinics for children.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the clinics – for aged 6 months to under 5 years - are a simple and convenient way for busy parents to keep their little ones protected against serious illness.
The clinics can be accessed via booking or walk-in and will be located across the ACT, in Belconnen, Gungahlin, Central Canberra, Tuggeranong and Weston Creek.
This service is another part of our commitment to high quality, free healthcare for Canberrans. The clinics are a part of the biggest investment in healthcare in our Territory’s history.
“Respiratory illnesses like influenza (flu) can be serious for young children, and an annual influenza vaccine is the best way to reduce the risk of your child getting sick with influenza and spreading it to others,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“We know it can be challenging for families to find time while juggling work, childcare and daily responsibilities. That’s why we have set up these after-hours pop-up clinics to make it faster and more convenient for parents to get their child’s annual influenza vaccine.
“The clinics are available to families with children aged from 6 months to under five, with locations across Canberra. Influenza vaccination for this age group is also available through ACT Early Childhood Immunisation Clinics and GPs, so there are a range of options for parents and carers to have their young children vaccinated.”
“There are also other simple actions you can take to keep yourself and your family well this winter, including practising good hand hygiene, staying home if you’re unwell, keeping active and eating well.”
ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman encouraged all Canberrans to look after their health and wellbeing this winter, starting with getting an influenza vaccination.
“Respiratory viruses are more than just a cold and they can be far more serious than you think,” Dr Coleman said.
“For best protection against influenza, it is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over to be vaccinated every year.
“Vaccinations are a safe and easy way to protect both yourself and the people in your community who are at risk and now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment to visit our pop-up clinics”.
For many people, the influenza vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program, although providers may charge a fee to administer the vaccine. This includes:
- children aged six months to under five years
- people aged 65 years and older
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older
- pregnant people
- people aged six months or older with underlying medical conditions
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are widely available from GPs and a range of pharmacies around Canberra as well as at selected public health facilities for some eligible people.
Walk-ins at the clinics are welcome but a booking is recommended, which can be made through myDHR or by calling: 02 5124 9977.
For more information on the pop-up influenza vaccination clinics visit www.act.gov.au and search ’pop up clinic’.
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Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases