New findings from the latest National Child Health Poll show that more than one-third (37 per cent) of parents across Australia, who were surveyed from 23 April to 5 May 2026, did not know influenza vaccination is recommended for children from six months of age, and 43 per cent incorrectly believed that children can get influenza from the vaccine.
Children’s fear of needles is also a barrier to vaccination, but 83 per cent of participants were unaware that a needle-free live attenuated influenza vaccine option is now available for children.
Refer to the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance comparison guide to help immunisation providers to answer parents’ questions about the differences between injected and needle-free influenza vaccine.
More resources to support childhood immunisation conversations
- WA Department of Health – Vaccine Hesitancy
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing – One more way to keep them safe campaign
- Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation – Empowering immunisation conversations
- The Kids Research Institute Australia – RSV immunisation Guidance Tool
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing – Childhood immunisation resources for Aboriginal people