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Influenza cases in children aged under five have surged over the past decade, but vaccination rates for this vulnerable age group remain low.
More than 59,000 influenza cases were recorded nationally in children aged under five in 2025, up from about 8,600 in 2016.
Despite this, only about 30 per cent of Victorian children aged six months to under five received a flu vaccine last year.
Warrnambool City Council has begun its annual flu vaccine rollout, with free flu vaccines available for children aged from six months to under five years.
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Warrnambool City Council Coordinator Immunisation Maria Zerbe said the figures were concerning, especially as 2025 was Australia’s worst year on record for flu notifications, with over 500,000 lab-confirmed cases and over 1,700 people dying from the illness across all age groups.
“It’s concerning when overall vaccination rates are falling, yet case numbers are rising,” she said.
“Especially with some of our most vulnerable cohorts, two of which are people aged over 65, and children aged under five. With the over 65s, the Victorian immunisation rate is 62 percent. That’s more than double the rate for under fives.
“All children aged from six months to under five are eligible for a free flu vaccine, but not enough are getting it.”
She urged everyone, whether they were eligible for a free flu vaccine or not, to make the time to get one.
“Last year, May and June were the months with the highest number of cases, which is why vaccinating now is so important,” she said.
“No child likes getting a needle, but a quick appointment now can help protect them from a serious illness that affected tens of thousands of young children last year.
“At Council, we run free childhood immunisation clinics and there are a variety of appointment times to choose from.
“Other options include GPs, health services and pharmacies.
“So whichever option is most convenient for you, please make flu vaccines a priority this year, not just for your child, but for your whole family.”
The following groups at higher risk of complications from influenza are eligible for a free vaccine via the National Immunisation Program:
• People aged six months to less than five years (can be given at the same time as childhood vaccines)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older
• Pregnant women (can be given at any stage of each pregnancy)
• People aged 65 years and older (a vaccine that is specifically designed to produce a higher immune response is available for this group).
• People aged six months and older with medical conditions putting them at increased risk of severe influenza and its complications.
You can also learn more about influenza at www.health.vic.gov.au.