Key findings
The latest National Child Health Poll from The Royal Children’s Hospital surveyed 1,987 Australian parents of 3,201 children aged between 6 months to 17 years to understand their plans regarding vaccination of their children against influenza in 2025.
Key findings include:
- Only 61% of children are likely to be vaccinated against the flu this season, according to parents.
- 36% of parents don’t know healthy children can get seriously unwell with the flu.
- Among parents not intending to vaccinate their child against the flu, almost three in four (71%) are not aware the flu vaccine is recommended every year.
- Most parents who plan to have their child vaccinated against flu would prefer the vaccine was available at school (84%).
- One in four children aged four years or more (27%) has an intense fear of needles and 13% have a phobia severe enough to stop them getting the flu vaccine.
Poll report
The latest National Child Health Poll revealed that an alarming 36% of parents aren’t aware that the flu can cause healthy children to become seriously unwell. The research found significant knowledge gaps among parents and because they don't have the right health information, they could unintentionally be putting their children at risk. Booking a flu vaccination for their child is one of the best things parents can do to protect their children and family this winter.
Download the report
Poll questions
The poll surveyed 1,987 Australian parents in April 2025, who provided data on 3,201 children aged between 6 months to 17 years.
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 keep their child safe this flu season.
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 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 groups of children.
