Flu vaccination remains a critical protective measure for Australia’s early childhood workforce

As the 2026 influenza season begins, early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across Australia are being encouraged to support educators, families and children to stay protected through annual flu vaccination.

With respiratory illness spreading easily in close-contact learning environments, vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce disruption, protect vulnerable children and maintain stable staffing during the winter months.

ECEC settings are particularly susceptible to flu transmission due to shared spaces, developing hygiene habits among young children and the operational pressures created when multiple educators fall ill at once. Preventative health measures, especially vaccination, can help services maintain continuity of care and reduce the likelihood of widespread outbreaks.

ECEC environments face a number of unique challenges during flu season, including:

• young children spreading respiratory illness easily, often before symptoms appear
• educator illness rapidly destabilising rosters, leading to room closures or reduced capacity
• children with chronic conditions facing a higher risk of complications
• families relying on consistent care, with outbreaks causing significant disruption

Vaccination can help reduce the severity and spread of influenza, supporting both educator wellbeing and service continuity.

All states and territories continue to offer influenza vaccination through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible groups, including:

• children aged six months to under five years
• adults aged 65 years and older
• pregnant women
• First Nations people
• individuals with certain medical risk factors

Some jurisdictions also offer additional free or expanded vaccination programs, including child-friendly nasal spray options or broader community access.

Because state-funded programs can vary and may be updated throughout the season, ECEC providers and families are encouraged to check their local health department for the latest eligibility, availability and booking information.

ECEC providers can also play an important role by:

• sharing vaccination information with families
• encouraging educators to access free or subsidised options
• incorporating vaccination reminders into winter health planning
• ensuring workplace policies support staff to attend appointments

With several jurisdictions expanding access in 2026, families and educators may have more flexible pathways to protect themselves this flu season.

A healthy workforce underpins quality early learning. When educators remain well, services are better placed to maintain stable staffing, consistent routines and uninterrupted care for children and families.

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) can spread quickly in early childhood education and care settings, where children learn and play in close contact environments.

To help services prepare for winter illness, identify symptoms early and respond effectively to outbreaks, Queensland Health has released practical ARI resources for the sector.

ECEC providers can download the guidance materials here.

Annual flu vaccination is a simple and effective step that supports the wellbeing of educators, children and the broader community as winter approaches.

The Australian Government Staying Health Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services 6th Edition provides additional information on immunisations and can be accessed here.