Child death spurs flu vaccine warning

A child has died from influenza in NSW, prompting health authorities to urge parents to get their kids vaccinated.

Vaccination Needle

File photo dated 09/08/04 of a vaccination syringe as a patch has been developed which could replace traditional flu jabs. Source: Gareth Fuller /PA Wire

NSW health authorities are urging parents to get their kids vaccinated with the free flu shot after a child died from influenza.

The child was one of 19 admitted to Sydney's children's hospital between April 3 and July 8 with the flu, with only two of those infants fully vaccinated.

It was the first death of a child for the 2018 flu season, NSW Health said.
Australians encouraged to get flu vaccination
Australians encouraged to get flu vaccination Source: AAP
"This is an important reminder to parents who have not yet vaccinated their children that influenza can be life-threatening and it's not too late to vaccinate," Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Chief Health Officer, said in a statement on Friday.

News of the death comes as the authority predicts a slow start to this year's flu season in NSW, with 256 cases confirmed in the week ending July 8, compared with 6449 cases in the equivalent week in 2017.

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By Helen Chen
Source: AAP

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