Free Influenza Vaccines for Kids in South Australia: What Parents Need to Know in 2026
Protect your family against influenza with a free influenza 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 are at increased risk of serious influenza infections and complications like bronchitis and pneumonia.
Who can get a free influenza vaccine?
Free influenza vaccines are available for:
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- Pregnant women (any trimester)
- 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.
Influenza 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 a free influenza vaccine by injection.
Children aged 2 to under 5 years can receive a free nasal spray influenza vaccine by a gentle spray into each nostril.
Talk to your doctor or immunisation provider about which free 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 vaccination is important for young children
Young children under 5 are more likely to spread the influenza viruses 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 child does catch influenza, the symptoms will be much milder.
Are the influenza vaccines safe?
Influenza vaccines are safe, and your child cannot catch influenza from the vaccines. They are latex-free and safe for children with an egg allergy, and can be given at the same time as other childhood vaccines.
What about cost?
While the influenza vaccine options are free for eligible children, some providers may charge a service or consultation fee. Ask about fees when making an appointment.
How to reduce the spread of influenza
You can also reduce the risk of your kids getting sick or passing on the influenza viruses 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: sahealth.sa.gov.au/influenza
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.
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