Free Flu Vaccine for Kids in South Australia: What Parents Need to Know in 2026
Protect your family against influenza with a free flu vaccine.
Infectious diseases like influenza can be spread in many ways, including by germs on our hands, when we cough or sneeze, or from surfaces such as door handles, toys, or handrails. Young healthy active children under 5 years, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people aged 65 and older, are at increased risk of serious influenza infections and complications like bronchitis and pneumonia.
Who can get a free flu vaccine?
Free flu vaccines are available for:
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- Pregnant women
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Adults aged 65 and over
Influenza vaccination during pregnancy protects babies after birth in their first few months, when they are too young to be vaccinated themselves.
Flu vaccine options for children under 5
The two influenza vaccine options now available for children under 5 years have been used for many years here and overseas, with both the injectable influenza vaccine and the nasal spray influenza vaccine contributing to a reduction in serious influenza illness in children who have been vaccinated.
Children aged 6 months to under 5 years can receive the influenza vaccine by injection. Children aged 2 to under 5 years can receive the nasal spray influenza vaccine with a gentle spray into each nostril.
Talk to your doctor or immunisation provider about which influenza vaccine option will be best for your child. If the nasal spray influenza vaccine is not suitable, your child can receive the influenza vaccine (injection) instead.
Influenza rates in children
Across Australia, children aged under five have some of the highest rates of influenza infections, yet in 2025 only 27% children aged under 5 were vaccinated.
In South Australia, 305 of the 430 children admitted to hospital last year with serious influenza complications were aged between 2 years and under 5 years.
Why Flu Vaccination Is Important for Young Children
Young children under 5 are more likely to spread the influenza virus to others including other young children and grandparents, and are particularly vulnerable to influenza-related complications – which can prevent them from doing the things they love.
The influenza vaccines protect against serious illness, so after vaccination, if a person does catch influenza, the symptoms will be much milder.
Is the flu vaccine safe?
Influenza vaccines are safe, and you cannot catch influenza from the vaccines. They are latex-free and safe for people with an egg allergy, and can be given at the same time as other childhood vaccines.
What about cost?
While the influenza vaccine is free for eligible people, some providers may charge a service or consultation fee. Ask about fees when making an appointment.
How to Reduce the Spread of Flu
You can also reduce the risk of getting sick or passing on the influenza virus by washing your hands, wiping down surfaces, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
To learn more visit sahealth.sa.gov.au/influenza
For more information and all enquiries please visit the SA Health website
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: supplied
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