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College embraces FluMist rollout in WA
GPs around the state are starting the task of immunising children against the flu with the newly available vaccine.
Western Australia had one of the worst flu seasons on record last year.
The country’s most extensive program for needle-free flu vaccination for children is now underway in Western Australia, with the RACGP welcoming the move.
Under the statewide program, 130,000 doses of the intranasal vaccine – sold as FluMist – will be available for GPs and other immunisers to administer to children aged 2–11.
RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman said the program would make influenza vaccination easier for many families.
‘Influenza can cause serious illness in children, including hospitalisation, even in those who are otherwise healthy,’ she said.
‘Offering a needle-free vaccination option is a practical and child-friendly way to improve flu vaccine uptake, while helping to protect families and the broader community’.
Dr Raman said the influenza vaccine ‘remains the best protection against severe illness’.
‘By improving access for children, this initiative will help reduce the spread of influenza across the community and ease pressure on the healthcare system during peak winter months,’ she said.
The WA Health Department describes the vaccine as ‘a simple and painless alternative’ to traditional vaccinations, and which is also effective against influenza A and B.
Free flu vaccination is also available under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for other eligible groups, including:
- children aged six months to under five years
- pregnant women
- Aboriginal people aged six months and over
- people aged 65 years and over
- people with serious health conditions.
From 1 May this year, the WA government will offer free state-funded influenza vaccines to patients who are not eligible under the NIP.
Last year was described by WA Health Minister Meredith Hammat as the state’s ‘worst flu season on record’.
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