World Immunization Week highlights the collective action needed and promotes the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.
The awareness campaign is held between 24 and 30 April – a timely reminder for those of us in Australia to get our annual influenza vaccination.
The influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone aged six months and over. It not only protects you, but also helps protect those around you.
You should get the flu vaccine anytime from April onwards to be protected for the peak flu season, which is generally June to September. The highest level of protection occurs in the first three to four months following vaccination.
However, it is never too late to vaccinate since influenza can circulate in the community all year round.
Flu vaccines can be given on the same day with a COVID-19 vaccine.
Free influenza vaccines will be available to eligible people under the National Immunisation Program, including:
- children six months to less than five years
- pregnant women
- people aged 65 and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- people with certain medical conditions
Find out more:
NSW Health: Seasonal influenza vaccination – Frequently asked questions
Department of Health and Aged Care: Fighting flu starts with you – factsheets
Check when your child’s vaccination is due
Vaccinating your child on-time is the best way to help protect them against preventable and serious diseases.
The NSW Immunisation Schedule helps parents understand when they should vaccinate their children and is developed to protect children as soon as possible.
Children should be vaccinated as close as possible to the scheduled milestones on the NSW Immunisation Schedule. It’s important you don’t delay vaccination.
Delaying immunisation places children at risk of catching disease and becoming very sick.
On-time vaccination is also important to receive Australian Government family assistance payments and to enrol children in childcare, preschool and school in NSW.