Key findings
The latest National Child Health Poll from The Royal Children’s Hospital surveyed 2,008 Australian parents of 3,348 children aged between one month to 17 years to understand their plans regarding vaccination of their children against influenza in 2026.
Key findings include:
- More than one in three parents (37%) do not know the flu vaccine is recommended for all children aged 6 months or over.
- Misbeliefs about influenza and vaccination are common. A quarter of parents (29%) are unaware that healthy children can get seriously unwell with the flu and almost half (43%) hold the misbelief that children can get the flu from the flu vaccine.
- Two in five parents (39%) say it is difficult to get their child vaccinated against the flu due to a fear of needles.
- A majority of parents (83%) do not know that the intranasal flu vaccine is available throughout Australia this season for all children over two years, and free in many jurisdictions.
- Parents report that more than a quarter (29%) of children who have not yet had the flu vaccine this year are more likely to be vaccinated if they can have the intranasal vaccine.
Poll report
The seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine is recommended annually for all babies and children from six months of age. The latest National Child Health Poll found that 37% of parents do not know this. The report also found that common misbeliefs about influenza and vaccination persist, with a quarter of parents (29%) unaware that healthy children can get seriously unwell with the flu. Booking a flu vaccination for their child is one of the best things parents can do to protect their children and family this winter. Read the full report to explore these findings further.
Download the report
Poll questions
The poll surveyed 2,008 Australian parents between 23 April to 5 May 2026. They provided data on 3,348 children aged between one month and 17 years old.
Download the questions
In the news
Information for parents
The Royal Children’s Hospital Kids Health Info fact sheet on the flu vaccine provides parents with information on the flu, and how they can protect their child against the flu this winter.
Key points:
- Influenza – also known as the flu – is an infection caused by a type of influenza virus.
- The influenza (flu) vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your child from getting sick with the flu.
- If your child is above six months of age, they should get the flu vaccine.
- It is recommended that all children be vaccinated against the flu every year before the start of winter.
- In Australia, the flu vaccine is free for all children aged from six months to five years, and those at higher risk of becoming very sick with the flu. In some states (QLD and WA) the flu vaccine is free for all children and adults.
- Children under nine years who get the flu vaccine for the first time require two doses given four weeks apart.
- The intranasal flu vaccine is a needle-free alternative to the traditional flu injection. It delivers the flu vaccine through the nose in the form of a nasal spray. This option is available for use in children aged two to less than 18 years.
- The most common side effects of the flu vaccine are pain and redness at the injection site.
The flu vaccine is readily available for children through their GP, local council immunisation clinics and many pharmacies for selected age.
