Children under five are urged to get their flu vaccination NOW as cases skyrocket

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Free flu shots have been offered amid skyrocketing cases and two deaths
The season has seen the flu hit highest numbers of cases in more than 10 years
NSW has the highest rate at a reported 7,595 confirmed cases of the flu so far
Queensland closely trailed behind NSW recording a total confirmed 7,289 cases

By Camilla Theakstone For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 04:25 EDT, 8 April 2019 | Updated: 04:38 EDT, 8 April 2019

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Free flu vaccinations for children and the elderly are being offered after a record-breaking start to the flu season.

New South Wales has already recorded 7,595 cases, with Queensland trailing closely behind at 7,289 so far this year.

So far almost 4,500 cases and one death have already been recorded in South Australia, which is a stark comparison to the 1,000 cases this time last year.

In just the past week, already 1,012 cases have been reported in SA.

Free flu vaccinations for kids under five are being offered after a record-breaking horror start to the flu season

New South Wales has also seen their rate double from that recorded in January last year, according to NSW Health.

Victoria has also had a shocking start to the flu season, with one child fatality already recorded.

There have been 2,800 confirmed flu cases so far, which doubles the 1,300 cases recorded by VicHealth this time last year, the ABC reports.

Western Australia has recorded just 1,498 cases, which is substantially less than other states.

But the states with the lowest prevalence by far are the Northern Territory with just 296 cases, and Tasmania with 322 cases.

South Australian Health and Wellbeing Minister, Stephen Wade, has imposed free flu shots to be handed out immediately for children and the elderly, in response to the crisis.

But he said there may be a two week wait because of delivery times.

Free shots for people over the age of 65 are already available and pharmacies such as National Pharmacies, which is administrating the vaccinations by trained staff.

State politicians are also being taken care of, with all staff already being immunised.

Health and Wellbeing Minister, Stephen Wade, has imposed free flu shots to be handed out immediately for children and the elderly, in response to the crisis

The initial release date for shots was originally April 29, but the high prevalence of cases, which has reached a 10 year high, prompted Mr Wade to act immediately.

'Flu is always circulating in the community but we have seen the highest number of cases for this time in more than 10 years,' he told the Courier Mail.

'So we have begun distributing vaccines as soon as they have become available.'

Mr Wade stressed that getting the shot is the best way to protect the community.

Mr Wade stressed that getting the shot is the best way to protect the community

'The State Government is again funding free flu shots for about 90,00 eligible children aged between six months and under five years... [to] minimise the flu,' he said.

While the high numbers of cases suggest an upcoming horror season, health officials have played it down.

'While it's not possible to predict the severity of a flu season, it's important the community remain vigilant,' SA Health Director of the Communicable Disease Control Branch, Dr Louise Flood said.

While the high numbers of cases suggest an upcoming horror season, health officials have played it down

But Dr Flood also admitted an increase in cases, with the flu reaching 4485 confirmed cases, in comparison to 1139 this time last year.

Free flu shots are available for people aged 65 and over, children under five, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and older, pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions.

Corporations are also having their staff immunised.