COVID-19 and your child’s health

1. Washing hands with soap and water regularly and properly.
2. Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing.
3. Avoiding contact with anyone who has flu-like symptoms.
4. If possible, avoiding close contact with family members with flu-like illnesses.
5. Avoid touching your face.
6. Get vaccinated when you are eligible.

Please note, the seasonal ‘flu’ vaccine does not prevent COVID-19 but is the most important measure we have to prevent influenza and its complications. At this time, preventing this common and serious respiratory infection is extremely important.

You can get the seasonal influenza vaccine at:

• Local immunisation providers (e.g. council clinics and community child health clinics)
• General Practitioners
• Queensland Children’s Hospital
  • Inpatients – discuss with your treating doctor
  • Outpatients – Queensland Specialist Immunisation Service (Level 2, Mon-Fri 8am to 4pm (no appointment required).

Flu vaccination is also recommended for all family members.

Our current advice is to follow the recommended infection prevention guidelines (outlined above) to protect your child’s health.

Are children with cancer at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19?
Unlike the adult population, the majority of COVID-19 infections in children with cancer are asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. The commonest symptoms are fever and cough. The risk of developing severe coronavirus disease and need for oxygen therapy is far less likely than in adults, but higher than in healthy children.

My child is currently receiving treatment for cancer – are they at an increased risk of getting COVID-19?
Current evidence shows that children with cancer have a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, and that they are more affected during the intensive phase of treatment. It is important to follow the recommended infection prevention guidelines (outlined above) to protect your child’s health. Having vaccinated carers/close contacts is an essential part to protecting your child from COVID-19.

Important: If your child develops a temperature of 38°C or over, or has trouble breathing, please seek an urgent medical review.

Speak to your child’s oncologist about the best plan for your child.

My child has completed their cancer treatment. Are they at increased risk?
Most children with cancer who have completed their planned treatment should have a relatively normal immune system within two to three months of completing therapy and are unlikely to be at increased risk of severe infection. No further special precautions are advised for these children at this stage.

Is it safe for my child to return to school?
In 2020, the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group (ANZCHOG) announced that it was safe for the vast majority of paediatric oncology and BMT patients to attend to school during the pandemic. Read more.

Check with your child’s oncologist if you have any questions or concerns about your child returning to school.

Children are at significantly less risk of developing severe lung infection from COVID-19 than adults and it is believed this low risk should apply to most children with CHD.

However, children with complex lesions with associated heart failure or low oxygen levels may be at an increased risk.  Some cardiac children may also have an associated impaired immune function or be on medicines which affect immune function, which could place them at an increased risk. Speak to your child’s specialist about the best plan for your child over the coming months.

Should I take any special precautions to protect my child? 
It is important to follow the recommended infection prevention guidelines (outlined above) to protect your child’s health. It is also recommended your child has the seasonal flu vaccine.

Should I take any special precautions to protect my child?
Until more information about COVID-19 and children with chronic respiratory illness is available, it is important to follow the recommended infection prevention guidelines (outlined above) to protect your child’s health. It is also recommended your child has the seasonal flu vaccine.

As with all viral seasons, it is important to obtain medical review if your child develops a persistent moist cough for more than three days.

If your child is on regular treatment make sure your child has enough medications for the next two to three months.

Seek medical advice if your child is unwell and avoid contact with sick people.

Should I take any special precautions to protect my child?
Until more information about COVID-19 and children with cystic fibrosis is available, it is important to follow the recommended infection prevention guidelines (outlined above) to protect your child’s health. It is also recommended your child has the seasonal flu vaccine.

As with every viral season, it is very important to have a supply of antibiotics available in case your child has a chest flare up or develops a moist cough. Make sure your child has enough medications for the next two to three months.

Seek medical advice if your child is unwell and avoid contact with sick people.

For more information
Cystic Fibrosis Service
Queensland Children’s Hospital
t 07 3068 2303
e QCH_CF@health.qld.gov.au

However, recent data suggests that children with suboptimal diabetes control (high HbA1c) are potentially at more risk for developing a serious infection.

Talk to your child’s medical or nursing team about their currently level of risk.

Should I take any special precautions to protect my child?
It is important to follow the recommended infection prevention guidelines (outlined above) to protect your child’s health. It is also recommended your child has the seasonal flu vaccine.

For more information
Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes
Queensland Children’s Hospital
t 3068 5264

It is important to discuss your child’s current level of immunosuppression with their specialist, and follow the recommended infection prevention guidelines (outlined above) to protect your child.

You should maintain your child’s current therapies and pathology monitoring as directed by your specialist team. Self-regulating dosing to reduce levels or use of emergency steroid management without specialist supervision will put your child at unnecessary greater risk of disease flare, increased risks of infection, increased risk of complications, organ rejection, and possibly death.

If you are unsure about the wellbeing of your child and you are concerned, visit your GP or attend your local emergency department for a review. Be sure to explain their background medical history.

If your child develops a temperature of 38°C or over, please seek a medical review. Remember to follow your team’s usual management plans and protocols and your child’s emergency management and or emergency steroid management plan if they have one.

If your child has an underlying health condition, that makes them more susceptible to respiratory and other serious health complications, speak with their specialist, or your child’s GP about any risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information and advice about children with disability and COVID-19, visit

• Children and Young People with Disability Australia
• Raising Children’s Network

Also, there is information available on the Department of Education website (both general and specific to children with disability).

For up-to-date information about the COVID-19 vaccine in patients with rheumatic disease, including for patients on immunosuppressive medications, visit the Arthritis Queensland and Australian Rheumatological Association websites.

Should I take any special precautions to protect my child?
It is important to follow the recommended infection prevention guidelines (outlined above) to protect your child’s health. It is also recommended your child has the seasonal flu vaccine.

Should my child continue to take their immunosuppressive medication?
Yes, your child should continue to take their current medications so their disease doesn’t flare. This includes commonly used low-dose immunosuppressive medications such as methotrexate, biologics, mycophenolate, azathioprine, leflunomide and steroids.

If your child becomes unwell especially with a fever, the medication should be withheld as you would normally do. If your child is taking steroids these must NOT be stopped during an illness and your steroid action plan should be followed.

For more information
Rheumatology Service
Queensland Children’s Hospital
t 07 3068 2389
e CHQ_RheumAdmin@health.qld.gov.au