Parents of NSW children aged between six months and five years are urged to book them in for a flu shot, with almost two in 10 catching the influenza virus as the autumn chill hits.
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Young children make up a higher proportion of flu cases compared with two years ago, acting executive director of Health Protection NSW Vicky Sheppeard said.
"Almost two in 10 flu notifications (17 per cent) in March were kids aged under five, compared with one in 10 (10 per cent) for the same period in 2019," she said on Thursday.
With COVID-19 social restrictions relaxed and travel across international borders in full swing, more people of all ages will be at risk of influenza than in the past two years, Dr Sheppeard warned.
Vaccination for pregnant mothers provides immunity to infants in the early months of life.
Vaccinations are available through GPs for those aged six months and over and additionally through pharmacies for people aged 10 and over.
Those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from the flu include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children as well as pregnant women and people over 65.
Others at risk include people with serious health conditions such as severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease.
Australian Associated Press
