Status: Active
Date issued: 17 July 2023
Issued by: Adjunct Clinical Professor Brett Sutton, Chief Health Officer
Issued to: Victorian community and health professionals
Key messages
- Influenza (flu) activity is continuing across Victoria, with almost half of cases occurring in children and adolescents under the age of 15 years.
- Influenza A cases in Victoria are likely peaking, but influenza B cases which are more common in young children, are increasing.
- Flu rates may increase, especially in children with return to school after the holidays.
- In most children, flu causes mild to moderate illness with symptoms such as fever and cough.
- Some children can develop severe illness, particularly babies and children with underlying medical conditions. Flu can increase the risk of rare invasive bacterial infections such as Group A streptococcal disease and meningococcal disease, so influenza vaccination can also help reduce this risk.
- Vaccination is key to protecting children from severe flu and is recommended yearly for everyone aged 6 months and over.
- It is never too late to vaccinate since the flu can circulate in the community all year round.
- Read the full advisory: Flu vaccination for children and adolescents
