Children aged <5 years are strongly recommended to receive influenza vaccine every year

Infants and children aged 6 months to <5 years are strongly recommended to receive annual influenza vaccine.

Children aged 6 months to <5 years who are receiving influenza vaccine for the first time are recommended to receive 2 doses of influenza vaccine. They should receive the 2 doses 4 weeks apart.

These children are recommended to receive 1 dose of influenza vaccine every year after that.

Infants and children aged <5 years have a higher risk of hospitalisation and increased morbidity after influenza.^3,4 This is true for all children, not just those with pre-existing medical conditions.^5-7 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration registers specific brands of influenza vaccine for use in children from 6 months of age. These may change each year. See Vaccine information and Vaccines, dosage and administration.