Used by millions of children overseas for over 20 years, the intranasal flu vaccine is now approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia.
It is available as an option for children aged 2 to 17 and costs $55 (incl GST).
The injectable flu vaccine continues to be available and is free for children aged 6 months to 5 years and those with qualifying conditions. Outside this group, the injection costs $20 (incl GST).
The nasal flu vaccine is administered by a GP, nurse, or an accredited pharmacist, as a gentle spray into each nostril, rather than an injection into the arm.
It is considered as safe and as effective as the injection, with side effects of a runny or blocked nose, headache and mild tiredness observed at times.
Serious allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis are extremely rare. The nasal flu vaccine is a live vaccine and so cannot be administered to immunocompromised patients.
Parents can choose either option at the time of the flu consultation. Just book a Flu Vaccine appointment for your child and we’ll have both options available (subject to stock availability).
Protecting your children from flu is very important. More than one in three flu cases occur in children under 15 years of age, with children under 5 particularly vulnerable.
