Influenza can spread quickly, especially among young children. Young healthy active children under 5 years, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people aged 65 and older, are at increased risk of serious influenza infections and complications like bronchitis and pneumonia – and are all eligible for a free influenza vaccine.
Across Australia, children aged under five have some of the highest rates of influenza infections, yet in 2025 only 27% children aged under 5 were vaccinated. In South Australia, 305 of the 430 children admitted to hospital last year with serious influenza complications were aged between 2 years and under 5 years.
Children aged 6 months to under 5 years can receive a free influenza vaccine by injection. Children aged 2 to under 5 years can receive a free nasal spray influenza vaccine by a gentle spray into each nostril of the nose.
The two influenza vaccine options now available for children under 5 years have been used for many years here and overseas, with both the injectable influenza vaccine and the nasal spray influenza vaccine contributing to a reduction in serious influenza illness in children who have been vaccinated.
Influenza vaccination during pregnancy protects babies after birth in their first few months, when they are too young to be vaccinated themselves.
Young children under 5 are more likely to spread the influenza viruses to others including other young children and grandparents, and are particularly vulnerable to influenza-related complications – which can prevent them from doing the things they love.
The influenza vaccines protect against serious illness, so after vaccination if a child does catch influenza, the symptoms will be much milder.
Influenza vaccines are safe, and your child cannot catch influenza from the vaccines. They are latex-free and safe for children with an egg allergy, and can be given at the same time as other childhood vaccines.
You can also reduce the risk of your children getting sick or passing on the influenza viruses by washing hands, wiping down surfaces and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
While the influenza vaccine options are free for eligible children, some providers may charge a service or consultation fee. Ask about fees when making an appointment.
Talk to your doctor or immunisation provider about which free influenza vaccine option will be best for your child.
To learn more visit sahealth.sa.gov.au/kidsinfluenza