Back to school flu warning: "term 2 sweet spot" for family vaccination against 'super-k' season

As South Australian students return for Term 2 (April 27 to July 3), health experts are urging families to act early, warning classrooms can quickly become super-spreader zones for influenza if children aren’t vaccinated. 

National Pharmacies Chief Pharmacist Bec Rogers said the first two to three weeks of Term 2 fall just ahead of the traditional spike in recorded flu cases, making it a critical window for vaccination for children aged 5–15, who were among the most effective spreaders of the virus.

“With the influenza vaccine taking around two weeks to reach full effectiveness and providing its highest level of protection in the first few months, families who vaccinate in the Term Two sweet spot are typically covered through the peak period – when cases are highest – and into the point where infection rates begin to decline,” Ms Rogers said. 

“Influenza is a virus that changes every year, which is why annual vaccination is critical.  Getting immunised before the season peaks gives families the best chance of protection against the strains currently circulating,” she said. 

“This year’s influenza vaccine has been updated to include an influenza A strain designed to protect against newer variants – including those referred to as Super-K,” she said. 

National Pharmacies CEO Mark Smith said the community pharmacy group had decided to offer all members free flu vaccinations this year following a record flu season and a resurgent Super-K variant. 

“Our decision to offer free flu vaccinations is a practical step to help protect community health and remove cost barriers as we know Australian households, families in particular, are facing unprecedented economic pressures that are completely out of their control,” Mr Smith said.  

Under the National Pharmacies’ Members Free Immunisation Program, a family of four recovers almost the full cost of their membership through free flu vaccinations – paying just $4.04 effectively for the year – while still accessing all other member benefits.