Will You Vaccinate Your Child Against The Flu?

NSW Health is encouraging parents to consider vaccinating their children against this year’s strain of flu.

NSW GP’s are set to receive the flu vaccine by May 1st and parents are being encouraged to consider vaccinating themselves and their children against the virus. NSW Health says the vaccine protects the most vulnerable members of the community, but only 10% of Australians believe that children should receive the immunisation.

Building Resistance

Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director of NSW Communicable Diseases, told The Camden Courier that prevention is the best approach when it comes to beating the flu. “Now is a great time to set a reminder in your phone or circle the date in your calendar, particularly if you or your family are in a high-risk group, to ensure you get your flu jab,” she said. “There have already been 7584 cases recorded flu cases in NSW during the warmer months so the best protection ahead of winter is to be vaccinated to build up resistance.”

Children between the ages of six months and five years can receive the flu vaccine for free through their GP as part of the NSW Government program, and it’s hoped that more families will choose to participate.

Wash Your Hands

More than 650 people died of the flu in 2017, with reduced fatalities last year highlighting improved awareness and hygiene, but health authorities say there is more to be done. Washing your hands properly and frequently, staying home from work and school when you’re sick, and sneezing into your elbow or tissue are just some of the recommended ways, in addition to vaccination, to avoid the spread of the flu.

Many parents may not have been aware of the free vaccination program for their little ones, so if you’re looking for ways to protect them from the flu this year, consider taking them to the GP and discussing whether getting the jab is right for your family.

Will you be immunising your kids against the flu this year? Let us know in the comments.

19 Comments

- - mom363071 said
  - 23 Apr 2019
    7:22 am
I really don’t know about these fly shots. I have never had one and might be unfortunate enough to get sick once a year.

- - mom265671 said
  - 21 Apr 2019
    11:57 pm
Just did. Better safe than sorry

- - mom19782016 said
  - 21 Apr 2019
    4:38 pm
Yes definitely. It is worth building resistance to it!

- - littlehandsofmine said
  - 21 Apr 2019
    9:52 am
My baby is probably too young for this shot

- - mom356614 said
  - 20 Apr 2019
    6:08 am
Still unsure on this one. Ive had reactions to the flu shot in the past

- - Blossom said
  - 19 Apr 2019
    12:34 pm
Yes, I will. I was told the vaccination wasn’t going to be available in SA until May. However I know somebody who had one a week or more ago. When we go to Dr. at the end of the month I will be asking about it.
- Mum2archer replied
  
  19 Apr 2019 , 4:14 pm
  Apparently chemist warehouse has the vaccine in. Ill be getting my son done, I had the flu a few years ago and wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy, I honestly thought I was going to die
- - AmbieBambi said
  - 19 Apr 2019
    10:51 am
Nah, we don’t do the flu vaccine

- - mom90758 said
  - 19 Apr 2019
    10:05 am
My husband is the only one getting the yearly flu vaccination, because of his heart condition.

- - DaffyD said
  - 19 Apr 2019
    9:03 am
my daughter will be getting the flu shot as she has asthma, my son I will take the advise given by my GP

- - Ellen said
  - 19 Apr 2019
    7:53 am
Only my 5yr old who has Down syndrome gets her yearly flu shot upon indication, the rest of us not.

- - ashna9 said
  - 19 Apr 2019
    3:09 am
I have an 8 and a 10 year old and no I won’t be this year.

- - mom265671 said
  - 19 Apr 2019
    2:12 am
I will be, it doesn’t entirely cover them but some protection is better than nothing.

- - mom350461 said
  - 18 Apr 2019
    8:31 pm
I’m on the fence with this immunisation. I am pro immunisation but the flu shot doesn’t always cover the flu strains and your child still has chances of having the flu. And further more I am pretty retentive during flu season to keep myself and my children away from sick people regardless of the illness.
- Amanda Holland replied
  
  18 Apr 2019 , 9:41 pm
  I’m the same, I never have and never will get this vaccination.
  - Ellen replied
    
    20 Apr 2019 , 4:22 am
    
    The flu shot doesn’t cover all the flu strains indeed.
    Staying away from sick people is one way, hygiene, healthy diet, exercise, and things like that are just as important.
  - mom81879 replied
    
    20 Apr 2019 , 9:40 am
    
    As said above though, some protection is better then none. As for diet being important, it sure is, but the healthiest people still get sick. It’s not the best defender against diseases that require a vaccination. Vaccination isn’t a guarantee against these diseases, but if you do still catch them, it’s a much milder, non life threatening version
- - BellaB said
  - 18 Apr 2019
    7:27 pm
Yep. We have a family excursion every year, and we all get jabbed.

- - mom206279 said
  - 18 Apr 2019
    5:51 pm
Already got my boy jabbed. He’s ended up in hospital a few times now from asthma attacks triggered by bugs. I live in fear of what the flu would do to him.