Yes, a child can usually receive the influenza vaccine if they have a mild illness, such as a slight cold, runny nose, or low-grade fever. However, if your child has a high fever (38.5°C or above) or a more serious illness, it is recommended to wait until they are feeling better. Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Children generally need one dose of the influenza vaccine each year. However, if your child is being vaccinated against influenza for the first time, they may need two doses depending on their age and health. Speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to find out what's right for your child.

Yes, your child can have an influenza vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccinations without affecting the safety or effectiveness of any of the vaccines.

Whether your child has the injection or nasal spray, the vaccination works in a similar way. These vaccines work by exposing your child’s immune system to an inactive or weakened form of the influenza virus, teaching their body to recognise and fight the virus without causing the illness.

Children should be vaccinated every year to help protect them against the most common strains of influenza that flu season (influenza strains change each year). In Australia, the best time to get vaccinated is in April or May, as the weather starts to cool but before the typical flu season (June to September) begins.

Your child can receive either the injected or nasal spray influenza vaccine from a GP or nurse. In most states, pharmacists can also administer influenza vaccines, however age restrictions apply – check with your local pharmacy. Use the healthdirect service finder to find your nearest vaccination clinic, GP or pharmacy.

Influenza vaccines are extensively studied and used by millions of people, including children, worldwide. The injected and nasal spray influenza vaccines are both proven to be safe and well tolerated. While the nasal spray vaccine is new in Australia, it has been used overseas for more than 20 years.

After vaccination, mild symptoms similar to the early stages of influenza (such as a runny nose, tiredness or muscle aches) may develop. These are generally mild and only last 1-2 days.

The injected and nasal spray influenza vaccines are both well tolerated. After receiving the injected vaccine, some children experience soreness, redness or mild swelling at the injection site, which usually settles within a day or two. After receiving the nasal spray, a runny or blocked nose is the most common reaction.

With either vaccine, some children develop mild flu-like symptoms such as tiredness or a low-grade fever. These are signs the immune system is responding and generally resolve quickly. Serious reactions are extremely rare. If you have any concerns after vaccination, speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Pregnant women can receive an influenza vaccine at any stage of pregnancy, at no cost. 

This is the best way to protect newborns against influenza. However, the protection passed to the baby from the mother gradually wanes over the first months of life, which is why the influenza vaccine is recommended for children from 6 months of age.

Yes, all Australians over the age of 6 months should be vaccinated against influenza every year. This is because the vaccines are different each year, tailored to address the strains of influenza commonly circulating within the community.

Parents and carers can also try their best to reduce the risk of their child contracting influenza through good hygiene, such as handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying away from others who have the virus.