Vaccinations for kids with asthma

We know you want to do everything you can to keep your child safe. Protecting them from infectious diseases is something all Australians can do thanks to our access to many vaccinations.

We get vaccinated because that’s how we care for our loved ones and keep everyone in our community well. Vaccination makes it hard for serious viruses to spread.

There are many vaccines that help stop viruses and bacteria from making your child sick. Many are free under Australia’s National Immunisation Program or state-funded vaccine program.

Several viruses have been linked to the development or worsening of asthma. Since respiratory infections can have a significant impact on asthma, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk and protect your child. For example, kids under the age of five who have had RSV could be 22% more likely to be diagnosed with asthma. This increases to 27% in kids aged 5-11 years.

A childhood RSV immunisation (monoclonal antibody) is available through state- and territory-managed programs in  Western Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory, Tasmania, New South Wales  and the Australian Capital Territory. Check with your child’s doctor about their eligibility.​​

Influenza viruses change every year, so a new flu vaccine is developed annually to protect against the most common strains expected to be seen that year. The flu vaccine is recommended to be given every year, before the start of winter. 

Immunisation against infectious diseases
Who is eligible? (Unless contraindicated)
Influenza All people*
*Over 6 months of age
COVID-19 All adults
Many children
Whooping Cough Most people
Check your eligibility
Pneumococcal Disease Most people
Check your eligibility
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)  Some people
Some very young children
Pregnant people

National Immunisation Program

At Asthma Australia we support access to free vaccination to keep the community safe.

To find out what free vaccines your child is eligible for, check out the National Immunisation Program and your state health service. Or, ask your child’s doctor what they should have at their next Asthma Review.