The NSW government will cover the influenza vaccination program at a cost of $3.5 million following last year’s severe flu season.

Dr Ken Hazelton said he had been vaccinating children for years, but generally only those with severe health conditions such as asthma or heart problems, and at parents’ expense.

“It will make it easier for parents and make more parents think about it,” he said.

“There hasn’t been a recommendation for children without serious health problems to have a vaccination before so to say there is a risk, so much so that the government will pay for it, that will carry some weight.”

Dr Hazelton said children did not carry any influenza immunity from their time in the womb and were susceptible to the infection.

While some children in Western Australia experienced febrile fits following vaccinations in 2010, complications were limited to one brand.

“There are several vaccines that are safe for children and I support it,” Dr Hazelton said. 

There were 859 confirmed cases of influenza across the western health district last season from all age groups, with fewer than 60 coming from the under-fives age group in Orange. 

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said infants and young children were most likely to spread the flu and suffer complications.

“Not only will the free flu jab help keep them safe during winter, but it will also protect their family and friends,” he said. 

Those who have never had a flu shot will need two doses, one month apart.

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

The flu jab is also free for Aboriginal children, those with chronic illnesses and people aged over 65.

Visit http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/kids-flu-shot.aspx