NSW Health warns of flu risk in ECEC where infants may never have been exposed

NSW Health has issued a specific warning to early childhood education and care (ECEC) services as the cooler weather rolls in, noting that influenza and COVID-19 present “a double threat” to the smooth operation of schools and early childhood services over the winter months.

Due to low exposure to flu over the past two years with international and state borders closed, there is a higher risk of transmission of both flu and COVID-19 across communities with the onset of winter. This is particularly the case for early childhood services where infants and toddlers may never have been exposed to a flu virus. 

The NSW Department of Education is preparing for the threat from viral illnesses by issuing a toolkit to schools and early education centres that encourages parents to have their children vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19.

The toolkit contains a variety of promotional materials including posters, social media tiles and other communication materials promoting vaccination as the frontline of defence against the viruses.

Everyone aged five years and over is recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine, and everyone aged six months and older is recommended to get a flu jab. Vaccinations are free and available through GPs and pharmacies, and NSW residents can get both vaccines at the same time.

For more information please visit this link.