PARENTS are being urged to vaccinate their children against the flu with figures revealing only 14 per cent of eligible kids having had the jab.
A new SA Health campaign ‘Stop the flu- vaccination for children six months to under five years’ has begun hoping to increase the take-up of the vaccine for the key age group.
The flu vaccine is free for children aged six months to five years or a child six months and older with certain medical conditions.
So far there have been 576 cases of the flu in children aged between six months and five years with last year totaling 1556.
According to the State Government, 33 per cent received the vaccine in 2021 and 38 per cent received it in 2022.
Latest figures announce there have been 3970 cases of the flu reported in South Australia this year with 413 people requiring hospital admission and one death.
Through the National Immunisation Program, the flu vaccine is free for people aged six months and over with certain medical risk factors, all children aged six months to less than five years and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over.
It is also available for free for people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, adults and children who are experiencing homelessness.
Those wishing to receive their vaccinations are encouraged to contact their general practitioner.
