NewsColony

NewsColony Flu vaccination recommended (and free) for under-5s Flu vaccination to be mandatory for all aged care centre visitors Free flu shot for kids under five While influenza vaccination uptake is at record levels for adults, children under the age of five have been slow to have their shots. Even though these shots are now available free on the national immunisation program, only one in 16 children have had their shots, according to government data. In NSW 586,000 doses were ordered for under fives but only 35,867 have had the immunisation. The University of Adelaide study surveyed 539 parents and also found only 33 per cent knew of the recommendation that children under the age of five should receive the annual influenza vaccine. Nine-month-old Willow Ritchie ended up in hospital very sick with influenza. Robinson Research Institute at the University of Adelaide deputy director Professor Helen Marshall said the “results are raising serious concerns not just about lo...