Children in NSW between six months and five years old will be eligible for free flu vaccinations from April 2018.
The NSW Government’s new influenza vaccination program will ensure 400,000 children are better protected for this year’s flu season.
Children can receive their free vaccine from community health centres, Aboriginal Medical Services and their GP.
The vaccine will cover four strains of influenza virus — two A strains and two B strains — likely to be circulating this winter.
Children who have never had a flu vaccination will need two doses, one month apart.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said NSW childhood vaccination rates had increased by 6.3 per cent since 2010, to 93.9 per cent in 2017.
“We already have the some of the best childhood vaccination rates in the country and this free flu jab will go even further to protect our little ones from potentially deadly flu infections,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Infants and young children are most likely to spread the flu and suffer complications. Not only will the free flu jab help keep them safe during winter, but it will also protect their family and friends.”
Last year’s flu season was the most severe in NSW since 2009. There were more than 12,000 confirmed cases of influenza in children under five last year.