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Free influenza vaccines for primary school-aged children

14 April 2020

In an Australian first, Western Australian primary school-aged children will have access to free influenza vaccinations this year.

Group of primary school children

In 2019, primary school-aged children had the highest rate of influenza cases in WA. Of 22,000 confirmed influenza cases last year, 3,343 were children aged between 5 and 9 years.

Increasing vaccination rates in primary school-aged children will reduce the transmission of influenza to the wider community and reduce pressure on the health system.

Seasonal influenza is a common, highly contagious and potentially serious viral respiratory illness.

Parents are urged to take advantage of free influenza vaccines for their children. The vaccines will be available from GPs and immunisation clinics statewide.

Annual vaccination is the most effective means to prevent influenza.

Read more about the influenza vaccine for children.