24 Jan Free Flu Vaccines for NSW Kids After ‘Horror Season’ Last Year

Children under five will be eligible for a free flu shot this flu season as the New South Wales Government fights to prevent a repeat of last season’s ‘horror’ flu rates.

Parents in NSW will be able to get the shot for their young children directly from their GP come April, saving them a trip to the pharmacy, and around $50 per shot.

Influenza is a life-threatening virus which poses a particular threat to young children with developing immune systems. Survivors can also experience health complications in the future as a result of contracting the flu.

“We had many children, in fact double the number of children, being admitted to hospitals like Westmead with the flu,” NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard told ABC News.

“Last year we had a couple of children pass away and we had other children and families who suffered very badly.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian hopes the $3.5 million scheme will help prevent another ‘horror season’. 

“Free flu vaccinations for children between six months and five years of age is a good deal. Please take it up.”