Severely ill children are presenting to emergency departments with the flu as parents are urged to get kids vaccinated these school holidays.
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Since May, 16 children have been admitted to intensive care in NSW hospitals with life-threatening complications from influenza, including serious heart, brain and muscle-related issues.
Data from the Australian Immunisation Register shows only 22.7 per cent of kids aged from six months to under five years have been vaccinated against the flu.
This age group has access to a free, government-funded vaccination due to their higher risk of severe illness from influenza.
Other groups eligible for the free vaccine include people aged 65 and older, Aboriginal people aged over six months, pregnant women and those with serious health conditions.
NSW Health has urged parents of children aged five to 16 years to book them in for a flu vaccination as this age group are being disproportionately affected this flu season.
Only 13.3 per cent of this age group have been vaccinated nationwide.
Less than two-thirds, 61 per cent, of those aged 65 and older have been vaccinated so far this year.
There have been 107 influenza-related deaths in Australia as of June 25 and more than 116,000 cases.
Flu season shaping as above average this year
Australian Medical Association vice president Dr Danielle McMullen told ACM that flu could be a life-threatening illness for kids.
"Across the country we are seeing above average rates of flu for this time of year compared to the past five years," she said.
"It's really important people understand that flu is here and it's a severe illness and that it is vaccine preventable."
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Dr McMullen said the flu vaccine was a good match for the influenza circulating in the community in 2023.
"Our strong recommendation is even if you're not eligible for the free vaccine you should really consider getting it done - it's a small price to pay for not getting a severe illness or needing the time off work and school," she said.
"To only have 20 per cent of kids under five vaccinated when they are eligible for a government-funded vaccine - we would really like to see that number higher.
"I know everyone's a bit sick of being vaccinated but it is really important now we're seeing more of these illnesses circulating, people are out and about mingling more."
And while it's already four weeks into winter, the flu season could linger into spring so it's not too late to get vaccinated, Dr McMullen said.
"Flu season often extends into August and September and often that's actually when we see our highest rates of flu," she said.
For information on accessing the flu vaccine visit www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/influenza-flu-vaccine
