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Canberra Today 12°/16° | Saturday, March 30, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Free flu vaccination for Canberra children

THE ACT government says its providing Canberra children, aged between six months and five years, a free influenza vaccination this winter.  

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Meegan Fitzharris says they’ll be available from any of the 10 ACT Maternal and Child Health Immunisation Clinics or from GPs from April.

But, she says, GPs may charge a consultation fee.

“Offering this free vaccine for children between six months and five years will ensure more people, particularly those at greatest risk, are protected from the flu this winter,” says Ms Fitzharris.

“Last year’s flu season was particularly bad, and unfortunately, children under five years were most affected, with two out of every 100 children aged less than five years notified to ACT Health with influenza infection during 2017. 

“We are focusing on children under five as they are at an increased risk of flu-related complications including middle ear infection, pneumonia and seizures. Influenza can also be fatal, even in healthy children.”

If children are receiving the vaccine for the first time, Ms Fitzharris says they will require two doses at least four weeks apart. Given the flu season usually occurs during winter and spring, parents are urged to get their child vaccinated when the vaccine becomes available from April prior to the flu season.

For further information visit health.act.gov.au

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