A needle-free way to protect your family this flu season
Looking for a needle-free flu vaccine option for your child?
We offer FluMist, a nasal spray influenza vaccine, for eligible children and adolescents aged 2 to under 18 years, as an alternative to an injectable flu vaccine.
It is given as a quick spray into each nostril, with no needles required. It can be a helpful option for children who feel anxious about injections.
Cost: $50 per dose
Influenza can cause serious illness in children, even in those who are otherwise healthy. Annual flu vaccination is one of the best ways to help protect your child and reduce the spread of flu to family members and others in the community.
Why choose a nasal spray flu vaccine?
No needles
Quick and easy to administer
Suitable for eligible children aged 2 to under 18 years
A good option for children who are worried about injections
Helps protect against seasonal influenza
Important information
The nasal spray flu vaccine contains weakened flu viruses designed to stimulate the body’s immune response. It does not cause influenza. Common side effects are usually mild and may include a runny or blocked nose, mild headache, tiredness, or reduced appetite. Serious side effects are very rare.
Some children with certain medical conditions may be better suited to the injectable flu vaccine instead. FluMist is not recommended for children under 2 years of age.
Please speak with our team if you are unsure whether a nasal spray flu vaccine is suitable for your child.
It is a flu vaccine given as a spray into each nostril rather than an injection. It provides a needle-free alternative for eligible children and adolescents
Influenza is a common vaccine-preventable disease and can sometimes cause severe illness or complications, even in healthy children. Vaccination each year helps protect your child and also helps protect others around them.
Yes. The nasal spray flu vaccine has been assessed as safe and effective for use in Australia. The source text also notes it has been used in millions of children overseas over many years.
