THE Crisafulli Government is investing $5 million to bring a needle-free influenza vaccine to Queensland’s youngest kids for the first time in Australia.
FluMist® is the first non-injectable influenza vaccine introduced to the Australian market. Administered as a nasal spray, it offers peace of mind for children and an alternative for those who are needle-averse.
Used widely overseas, countries offering FluMist® have seen higher childhood immunisation rates.
Queensland was left in a health crisis after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, with the highest ambulance ramping rates and an increasing elective surgery waitlist.
Over the past 10 months, the Crisafulli Government has worked to address these issues, including a $25 million investment in free flu vaccines for all Queenslanders—aft er Labor failed to fund them in last year’s Budget.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Tim Nicholls said a new paediatric influenza program will be trialled next year for toddlers aged 2 to under 5.
“Next year, for the first time in Australia, FluMist® will be available and the Crisafulli Government is acting quickly to secure vaccine supply for Queensland’s youngest,” Minister Nicholls said.
“Our investment means that parents can avoid the anxiety of a needle injection for their young ones.
“Research has shown that six in 10 parents experience distress when thinking about vaccinating their child against influenza, and more than a quarter of young kids experience intense needle phobia.”