Experts urge parents to vaccinate kids against the flu with ‘challenging’ winter predicted

So far this year, 23,428 people have been hit with the flu, up from just over 18,000 over the same period last year. With a challenging season predicted, “at risk” people are urged to get vaccinated.

Experts are warning about the dangers of the flu as childhood jab rates across NSW fall, urging parents to vaccinate their kids ahead of winter.

So far this year, 23,428 people have been hit with the flu, up from just over 18,000 over the same period last year.

The majority of those infected in NSW this year have been under the age of nine, with almost 5000 kids struck down with the flu so far.

In NSW, the influenza vaccine rate for six-month to five-year-olds has declined from 28.3 per cent in 2023 to 25 per cent in 2024, and for over 65s it was down from 62 per cent in 2023 to 60 per cent in 2024.

With international experience indicating the possibility of a “higher than usual” influenza activity season this year, the NSW Government has worked to get the supply of vaccines out to doctors and pharmacists ahead of winter for kids and at-risk people.

Mum Ruth Smith and one-year-old Nathan are getting the flu jab as health experts predict a severe flu season. Picture Thomas Lisson

Ahead of what experts predict to be a horror flu season, mum Ruth Smith and her son, Nathan, one, will be getting the jab. Picture: Thomas Lisson

In NSW, a free flu jab is available to children aged six months to less than five years old, people aged 65 years and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older and pregnant women.

“I strongly urge vulnerable members of the community to get their influenza vaccine and check they are up to date with their other vaccines,” NSW’s chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said.

“Influenza can cause serious illness. Your yearly influenza vaccine offers the best protection against needing hospital care.”

Southwest Sydney mum Ruth Smith is preparing to have her 13-month-old son Nathan vaccinated against the flu, worried about what the winter months may hold.

“Hearing about the predictions for flu season certainly has me worried,” she said.

“Nathan was hospitalised with RSV when he was just six weeks old so we will do anything to stop that from happening again.

One-year-old Nathan is set to get his flu jab ahead of winter. Picture: Thomas Lisson

“He had a mild case and was still in hospital for two days, it was very scary.”

Last month, the NSW Government announced an investment of $16.6 million to ensure all newborns in NSW can be protected from serious illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

It means newborns can either receive free protection from RSV through maternal vaccination or immunisation before they leave the hospital.

“Respiratory viruses such as flu are expected to rise this winter – and we are expecting higher flu activity this season,” health minister Ryan Park said.

“The best way to protect your loved ones is to get vaccinated.”

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Originally published as Experts urge parents to vaccinate kids against the flu with ‘challenging’ winter predicted