The WA Minister for Health recently announced that the state’s free influenza vaccine program will be extended in 2020 to include all children in pre-primary up to Year 6. This will be in addition to babies and young children six months through to four years of age who were already eligible for an annual flu jab.
But with COVID-19 being a major issue this year, is it still important to have a flu vaccine? Why have school aged children been included for a free vaccine? And what impact will this have on other family members, especially throughout the coronavirus pandemic?
Dr Chris Blyth, paediatrician and infectious disease researcher at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, says that extending the free flu vaccine program to older children this winter will have a major impact on keeping kids, their families and older Australians out of hospital.
“If you have been on the fence about having a flu vaccine, this is the year you should definitely do it – our current health crisis makes it critically important,” says Dr Blyth.
Read on to learn why you should be booking your family in for their flu vaccines as soon as possible.
Why have children in pre-primary – Year 6 been included in the influenza vaccine program?
“Kids are the key ‘spreaders’ of influenza each winter - their runny noses, sticky fingers, coughs and sneezes mean bugs are easily shared with family members and other close contacts including older West Australians,” says Dr Blyth.
“While babies and young children are at high risk of severe complications of the flu, our research has shown it is actually school aged children who drive influenza transmission in the community.
“They often catch the flu from their younger siblings, especially those in day care, and then share it with classmates, parents and elderly grandparents.
“If we can prevent children in this age bracket from getting the flu, we will significantly reduce the number of people requiring emergency treatment when our hospitals are already very busy,” says Dr Blyth.
Will having the flu vaccine provide any protection against coronavirus?
Dr Blyth says that a flu vaccine won’t protect against coronavirus but is still essential at a time when respiratory illnesses are causing serious health issues.
“An influenza vaccine will keep people healthy, and keep their lungs healthy, which is especially important this winter while coronavirus is spreading.”
We are being told to have it early this year - will one dose last the whole winter?
“We are encouraging people to have the flu vaccine as early as possible – the sooner you have it, the sooner your protection will begin. Last year’s flu season began early, and it is impossible to predict when the 2020 season will peak, but it is best to be prepared for when it does,” says Dr Blyth.
“The flu vaccine lasts for the duration of the winter season so one annual dose is all you need. The only exception is kids having the vaccine for the first time – they will need two doses one month apart.”
Where can kids get their vaccine?
Children can access a vaccine through their general practitioner or community immunisation provider.
Many pharmacies are now offering flu vaccines, but children must be 10 years or above to use this option.
Who else eligible for a free influenza vaccine this winter?
Other groups eligible from a free flu vaccine in 2020 include:
- Pregnant women
- People aged 65 years or older
- Aboriginal people aged 6 months or older
- People with chronic health conditions age 6 months and older
Please visit the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases website for more information about influenza or to access additional COVID-19 resources for your family.