NO MORE NEEDLES | WA kids can now get their flu shot without a needle — and it's completely free
Western Australian parents dreading the annual battle to get their children vaccinated against influenza have been handed a reprieve.
The FluMist program is now available to all children aged two to under 12, administered as a quick nasal spray rather than an injection.
The State Government has invested $6.6 million to secure and deliver 130,000 doses of the intranasal vaccine ahead of winter, in what it describes as a WA-first initiative designed to remove one of the biggest barriers to childhood flu vaccination.
Eligible children can access FluMist through GPs, community health clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services and pharmacies across the state.
Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton said needles had long been a hurdle for some families. The new option would make a meaningful difference for young children who are among the most vulnerable to serious influenza complications.
"We know that needles can be a barrier for some families, so this needle-free alternative is a real game changer for young children who are particularly vulnerable to serious illness from influenza," she said.
"I encourage all Western Australians to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter — this includes getting vaccinated and remembering good hygiene practices."
The vaccine provides equivalent protection against influenza A and B to traditional injectable vaccines and is considered safe and effective.
Influenza can cause serious illness in children, including hospitalisations, even among those who are otherwise healthy.
Health Minister Meredith Hammat said WA was leading the nation with the program and that boosting vaccination uptake would deliver benefits well beyond individual families.
"By increasing vaccination uptake, we can reduce the spread and severity of influenza-related illnesses, which is a huge benefit to our personal health and also our health system."
Children aged two to under 12 can access FluMist now.
Separately, free influenza vaccines remain available under the National Immunisation Program for children aged six months to under five years, pregnant women, Aboriginal people aged six months and over, people aged 65 and over, and those with serious health conditions.
From May 1, free State-funded influenza vaccines will also be available to Western Australians who do not qualify under the national program.
More information is available at HealthyWA.
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