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

Influenza vaccine is funded through the NIP for all children aged ≥6 months to <5 years. For details see the National Immunisation Program Schedule.

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

Children aged 2–<18 years can receive either inactivated influenza vaccine (administered as an injection) or live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV, administered intranasally), except where contraindicated. Children aged ≥6 months to <2 years should only receive inactivated influenza vaccine.

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

Preterm infants are recommended to receive influenza vaccine starting at the chronological age of at least 6 months, if the infant is clinically stable. Do not correct the age for prematurity.