This winter, experts are warning of a rise in influenza B—particularly among school-aged children and teens. And for parents, that means taking action now could help protect your family from serious illness.
One mother’s heartbreaking experience is a powerful reminder: flu is not just a bad cold. It can be life-threatening.
While many of us worry about illnesses like meningococcal or whooping cough, the truth is that flu causes more vaccine-preventable deaths in children in Australia than either of those. That’s why health experts are urging parents to book their family’s flu vaccinations without delay.
A mother’s warning every parent should hear
Like many parents, Rhiannon Jones never imagined the flu could take the life of a healthy, active child. But in 2019, her daughter Lucy—just two years old—passed away from complications caused by influenza B.
“Up until five days before Lucy died, she was a very healthy two-year-old,” Rhiannon recalls. “Then both of my daughters became unwell with temperatures, so I popped them into bed and checked on them throughout the night. At about nine o’clock I checked on Lucy and realised she had vomited. When I picked her up, she was unconscious.”
By the time Lucy reached hospital, she had begun seizing and never regained consciousness. The flu had caused severe brain damage. Rhiannon and her family said goodbye to Lucy just hours later.
Lucy’s story is heartbreaking—and a powerful reminder of how fast influenza can progress in children. “I never considered the fact that influenza actually kills more kids every year than those diseases parents are really afraid of, like meningococcal,” Rhiannon says.
Now, Rhiannon shares her story to help other families understand that flu is not ‘just a cold.’ It can lead to life-threatening complications in young children—and yet it’s preventable.
“The influenza vaccine is free and it’s safe,” she says. “It’s the best way to protect your kids from severe—even fatal—illness.”
The flu shot is free for children aged 6 months to under five, pregnant women, First Nations people from six months of age, and anyone aged 65 and over. Getting vaccinated during pregnancy can also help protect babies for their first six months of life.
“If just one other family hears my message and gets vaccinated as a result,” Rhiannon says, “that would be an amazing legacy for Lucy to leave.”
Why 2025’s flu season is different
This year’s flu season is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in recent memory. Health authorities are reporting a noticeable spike in influenza B cases, particularly in children and teenagers. Unlike influenza A, which tends to dominate most seasons, influenza B is more likely to cause serious illness in younger people. That’s a major concern for schools, early childhood centres and families with young children.
Clinicians are also seeing cases escalate quickly. Children who appear to have only mild symptoms—like a fever or sore throat—can deteriorate in a matter of hours, with some requiring urgent hospital care. It’s a sobering reminder that flu isn’t just an inconvenience. It can be dangerous.
Beyond the immediate health risks, the impact of flu often ripples through the entire household. When one child gets sick, it usually leads to time off school, missed workdays for parents, and the stress of caring for unwell family members. The knock-on effect on routines, childcare and mental load can be overwhelming.
That’s why vaccination remains the most effective step you can take. It not only protects individuals but also helps stop the spread of the virus across families, schools and communities. A flu shot is quick, safe, and widely available—making it one of the simplest ways to protect your household this winter.
Who can get the flu shot for free?
The influenza vaccine is free for those who need it most, including:
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- Pregnant women (which also protects babies for their first 6 months)
- People aged 65 and over
- All First Nations people aged 6 months and older
The vaccine is available now at GPs, pharmacies, Aboriginal Medical Services, community health centres and immunisation clinics.
Flu shot facts (and myths) parents should know
There’s a lot of misinformation about the flu vaccine—especially when it comes to kids. Here’s what parents need to know to separate fact from fiction:
1. Myth: Healthy kids don’t need a flu vaccine
Fact: Even healthy children can become seriously ill from the flu.
While children with underlying health conditions are more at risk, many hospitalisations each year involve otherwise healthy kids. Influenza can lead to complications like pneumonia, dehydration, and—in rare cases—inflammation of the brain or heart. A flu vaccine helps build up your child’s defences before they’re exposed.
2. Myth: The flu shot can give you the flu
Fact: The flu vaccine doesn’t contain live virus and can’t infect you.
Some people report feeling a little tired or sore after the shot, which is just your immune system responding. These side effects are mild and short-lived—nothing compared to the impact of catching the actual virus.
3. Myth: You only need the vaccine once
Fact: Flu viruses change over time, so yearly protection matters.
The influenza virus mutates constantly, which is why the flu vaccine is reformulated each year. Getting vaccinated annually ensures you’re protected against the most recent strains circulating in the community.
4. Myth: If I’m vaccinated, my kids don’t need it
Fact: Herd protection helps—but individual vaccination matters.
While vaccinating adults in the household reduces the chance of flu spreading, it doesn’t guarantee kids will be safe. Children—especially those under five—are more likely to catch and spread the virus. That’s why it’s important to vaccinate every eligible family member to help protect those who are too young or vulnerable.
Where to book your flu shots
Appointments are now open for flu shots. Many offer same-day bookings. Flu vaccines are available now at:
- GP clinics
- Pharmacies
- Community health centres
- Aboriginal Medical Services
- Local council immunisation clinics
Flu is serious. Vaccination works.
Flu isn’t just a bad cold, it can be serious, especially for kids. With this year’s higher rates of influenza B, protecting your family matters more than ever. Vaccination is free for eligible groups and only takes a few minutes to arrange. It’s one small step that could prevent a world of stress and uncertainty later.
Speak to your GP, book online, or visit your local pharmacy. For more information, head to health.gov.au/flu.
This article was produced in partnership with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
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