The $3.5 million influenza vaccination program offered by the NSW Government follows last year’s severe flu season.

Wollondilly MP Jai Rowell said last year more than 12000 children under five were admitted to hospital with confirmed cases of influenza.

“I’m proud to be a part of a government who won’t accept that this is good enough” Mr Rowell said. 

“The Premier’s announcement means more than nearly half a million kids and their families across our State don’t need to consider whether it’s a cost they can or can’t live with.

“I’m very glad to be able to support this measure before flu season.”

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said NSW childhood vaccination rates had increased by 6.3 per cent since 2010, to 93.9 per cent in 2017.

“We already have the some of the best childhood vaccination rates in the country and this free flu jab will go even further to protect our little ones from potentially deadly flu infections,” Mr Hazzard said.

Children who have never had a flu vaccination will need two doses, one month apart.

The vaccine will cover four strains of influenza virus, two A strains and two B strains, likely to be circulating this winter.

For more information, see www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation.