Free influenza vaccines are available to protect children aged 6 months to under 5 years against serious illness from influenza.
Young children under 5 are particularly vulnerable to influenza-related complications – which can prevent them from doing the things they love.
Influenza is a serious and highly infectious (contagious) viral illness.
It can cause breathing problems, chest infections and painful ear infections in young children, even if they are healthy.
Influenza infections can also lead to serious complications like bronchitis, pneumonia or even death.
Children aged under 5 years have some of the highest rates of influenza infections and hospitalisations, and are more likely to spread influenza to other family members.
Last year, 305 of the 430 children admitted to hospital with serious influenza complications were aged between 2 years and under 5 years.
But now there’s more ways to protect what matters most.
Getting an annual influenza vaccine before winter every year is recommended for anyone aged 6 months or older.
To protect against the spread of influenza, free influenza vaccines are offered to eligible children every year from April.
Children aged 6 months to under 5 years are eligible for a free influenza vaccine if their parent or carer is Medicare-eligible.
The two ways your child can receive a free influenza vaccine include:
The free influenza vaccine given by injection is provided each year under the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program (NIP).
This NIP influenza vaccine has been used safely in children across Australia every year for many years.
It is available in South Australia ahead of the 2026 winter season.
This NIP influenza vaccine is available for children aged 6 months to under 5 years.
This NIP influenza vaccine is given by intramuscular injection in the arm or leg depending on your child’s age.
The NIP influenza vaccine for children is inactivated, meaning it is not a live vaccine.
The free nasal spray influenza vaccine is available as part of the South Australian Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program.
The nasal spray influenza vaccine has been safely used since 2003, with millions of doses given to children across the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States of America and Canada.
The nasal spray influenza vaccine has led to better vaccination rates and a reduction in serious influenza illness in these countries.
It is available in South Australia ahead of the 2026 winter season.
The nasal spray influenza vaccine is available for free, for children aged 2 to under 5 years.
The nasal spray influenza vaccine cannot be given to children who:
If the nasal spray influenza vaccine is not suitable, your child can receive the NIP influenza vaccine by injection instead.
The free nasal spray influenza vaccine is given intranasally, i.e. as a gentle spray into each nostril of the nose.
The nasal spray influenza vaccine is quickly absorbed into the lining of the nose (called the mucosa) and will still work, even if your child sneezes straight after having the vaccine.
The nasal spray influenza vaccine is a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV).
LAIV means the vaccine contains a tiny amount of weakened influenza viruses that help the body learn how to fight the real virus. While it is a live vaccine it cannot give your child an influenza infection.
The best influenza vaccine for your child will depend on their age (eligibility), medical history and personal preference.
Children aged 2 to under 5 years are eligible for both the free NIP influenza vaccine (injection) or the free nasal spray influenza vaccine.
Both vaccines are equally safe and effective and help protect against influenza.
It is recommended to speak to your doctor (GP), pharmacist or usual immunisation provider about which influenza vaccine is best for your child.
Fact Sheet: Influenza vaccine options for children under 5 years (PDF 196KB)
The influenza vaccines are safe and effective and do not spread or cause influenza.
The influenza vaccines have been around for a long time and have been extensively tested for safety and effectiveness. The vaccines are:
See more about Vaccine safety:
National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) – vaccine safety
Influenza vaccines build and strengthen a child’s immune system, to help train their bodies to recognise the influenza virus and protect them against serious influenza infection.
After vaccination, your child may still get influenza, but it is usually much milder.
It usually takes about two weeks for the influenza vaccines to provide protection.
The highest level of protection happens in the first three to four months following vaccination.
Most children only need one influenza vaccine each year. This is the same whether your child receives the NIP influenza vaccine injection or the nasal spray influenza vaccine.
If this is your child’s first influenza vaccination, they may need two free doses spaced four weeks apart if they are:
If children need a second dose they can have either the NIP influenza vaccine injection or the influenza nasal spray regardless of which vaccine was given for the first dose.
Influenza vaccines can also be given at the same time as most other vaccines.
If your immunisation provider recommends two free doses of the influenza vaccine, ask them to:
Always talk to your immunisation provider about your child’s allergies and any other concerns you may have before vaccination.
All the available influenza vaccines are:
The nasal spray contains a highly processed form of porcine gelatin used as a stabiliser.
Families who prefer to avoid gelatin can choose the NIP influenza vaccine injection instead.
Serious side effects are rare.
Some children may have mild symptoms which are temporary, such as local soreness, itching and redness at the injection site.
Other mild side effects from the influenza vaccines may include:
Any unexpected side effects should be reported to your immunisation provider or doctor, or go to a hospital.
You can call SA Health on 1300 232 272, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm or get advice from a nurse by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 anytime.
See more about possible side effects of vaccination.
You can get your child vaccinated with a free influenza vaccine at:
The influenza vaccines are free for eligible children, but some immunisation providers may charge a consultation fee. Ask about fees when making an appointment.
If you don’t have a local immunisation provider, find out where to get vaccinated near you.
See Frequently asked questions about influenza and Annual influenza programs.