Warning about double child infection as RSV surges and only 10% of children get flu vaccine

Chief medical officer Breda Smyth urged parents to get their children vaccinated for flu. 'During the recent flu season in Australia, children accounted for 60% of hospitalisations,' Prof Smyth said. File picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

As the health system battles high levels of serious illness in young children caused by the RSV virus, the chief medical officer has warned a potentially difficult flu season is yet to peak and far too few children are protected.

Michael Hanrahan, the specialist registrar in public health medicine for Cork and Kerry, said RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) hit earlier than usual this year and the number of cases has risen faster than usual, putting extra pressure on the health system.