Here's why Babies are at Great Risk this Flu Season

Although too young to receive flu vaccinations themselves, babies are often at the highest risk for developing flu, with the consequences proving to be fatal. In some seasons, babies have the highest influenza-associated mortality rates, and newborns always have the highest hospitalization rate as a result of influenza. The unfortunate reality is infants are too young to receive influenza vaccinations themselves, as this would also be dangerous for their immune systems which are still in development.

The only way to protect babies from the dangerous and fatal consequences of an influenza outbreak is to ensure everyone in contact with the baby, including the parents, older siblings, and caretakers is up-to-date on their flu vaccinations. Even if you’re not in daily contact with any young children, if you have any friends that have babies, you could be placing them at risk and should seek an influenza vaccination.

Those most at risk of passing on the influenza virus to babies are their parents and child carers, but the disease can be spread by coughing or other transmission of germs, which could happen whilst shopping, on the bus, or in other numerous situations you could be among complete strangers.

Whooping Cough grows at an alarming rate

In mid-March 2009, a whooping cough outbreak in Tasmania brought this point home. As of March 13, there have been 99 notifications of whooping cough, compared to 4 at the same time in 2008. While whooping cough is a serious disease, it is particularly deadly among babies, and a vulnerable 4-week old baby died in New South Wales as a result of this outbreak. Vaccination of the adults around this baby could easily have prevented this tragic, untimely loss.


In the United States, a study funded by the Centre for Disease Control looked at offering flu vaccinations to new parents who are already in the hospital to have their babies. This was reported to be the most convenient way to provide influenza vaccinations for new fathers, as well as the most effective way to protect the health of new mothers and their children. Flu vaccinations were also offered to older siblings who had not yet been vaccinated.

Australia takes a stand against the Flu Virus

In Australia, the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee ((AIVC) formulates influenza vaccines each year following recommendations and information from the World Health Organization. In 2009, the vaccine developed by the AIVC contained three virus strains: A (H1N1), A (H3N2), and B.

The influenza virus mutates yearly, so it is important to be up-to-date on your vaccines. Last year's influenza vaccine will not provide sufficient protection against this year's flu viruses. For the protection of your own health and the health of any babies you’re around, be certain to renew your flu vaccination yearly.

Author: Flu Vaccination