Opposition calls for free flu vaccination program to be expanded as ‘kindy flu’ cases rise

Young children have been worst affected in new figures that show an early spike in flu cases this season, while the state government is facing calls to expand the free vaccine program.

Young children have been worst affected by an early start to this year’s flu season in South Australia, most recent figures show.

The prevalence of what has been dubbed “kindy flu” has prompted calls for parents to make sure their children receive annual vaccinations.

Already this year, there have been 1,592 confirmed cases of influenza across the state – compared to 52 cases that had been recorded at the same time last year.

Of this year’s cases, SA Health data shows about 500 have been in children aged nine years old or younger.

A SA Health spokeswoman said young children are among the most vulnerable because as they are most likely to spread flu and suffer complications.

“In young children, flu-related hospitalisations can occur even in children without underlying medical conditions,” she said.

“Through the National Immunisation Program, the flu vaccine is free for a number of groups, including pregnant women and all children aged six-months to less than five years of age.

“We are strongly encouraging parents of children aged six-months to less than five years of age to ensure their children are vaccinated against influenza each year.”

She said people with flu should also stay home from childcare, preschool, school and work until they are well again.

“This usually takes at least five days for adults and seven to 10 days for children,” she said.

It came as the opposition called on the state government to expand the immunisation program to allow all South Australians to access a free jab.

As well as young children and pregnant women, other groups currently eligible are people older than 65, people with chronic health conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Health spokeswoman Ashton Hurn said the coming months would be “really, really challenging”.

Opposition health spokeswoman Ashton Hurn. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Emma Brasier

“When we look at our health system at the moment, we just know that the system is under extraordinary stress ... with record ramping and overcrowding, “ she said.

“The government’s got to do everything that it possibly can to have every line of defence up and running, so that people can protect themselves and ultimately protect the health system.”

Last year, vaccines were made available for free at pharmacies and GPs in a program that cost the state nearly $5m.

Health Minister Chris Picton said a winter demand management plan was due to be released at the beginning of May - but added that spikes in demand happen throughout the year.

Asked whether making flu vaccines free for everyone would be part of that plan, he said “we’re continuing to consider that”.

“We haven’t had health advice to do that except for those key groups,” he said.

Mr Picton acknowledged there had been an earlier spike in cases, but said that did not necessarily indicate that it would be an especially severe season.