Flu cases spike: Australian parents urged to vaccinate children after steep rise in hospital admissions

Influenza cases are rising fastest among very young children as well as those aged five to 16 years, health authorities say

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Amid a steep national rise in children being admitted to hospital with influenza, the New South Wales chief health officer, Dr Kerry Chant, has urged parents to vaccinate their children.

Children aged six months to under five years can receive a free flu vaccination as they are considered a high-risk group. Other high-risk groups eligible for free vaccination include pregnant women, those aged 65 and above, Aboriginal people from six months of age, and those with serious health conditions.

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