Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has welcomed the rollout out across NSW of a free, needle-free flu vaccine for children aged two to four, making it easier than ever to protect young kids ahead of the winter flu season.
The nasal spray vaccine, delivered as a quick spray into each nostril, is painless and designed to remove one of the biggest barriers to childhood vaccination, fear of needles. It will be available through local GPs, community pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services.
“This initiative comes at a critical time, following one of the worst flu seasons on record. Last year, thousands of young children required hospital care due to influenza, with significant increases in both emergency department visits and hospital admissions,” Mr Dwyer said.
“Despite this, the 25% vaccination rates in children under five remains below the state’s target of 40%.
“Increasing uptake of the flu vaccine in young children is an important step in protecting not only individual families, but the broader community. Higher vaccination rates help reduce the spread of illness and ease pressure on our local health services, particularly during the busy winter months.
“I encourage all families in the Port Macquarie electorate to book their flu vaccinations early. The earlier you are vaccinated, the sooner you and your loved ones are protected as flu cases begin to rise,” Mr Dwyer said.
Alongside vaccination, there are simple steps everyone can take to reduce the spread of respiratory illness. These include staying home when unwell, wearing a mask if you need to go out while sick, avoiding crowded indoor spaces, maintaining good hand hygiene, and considering a rapid antigen test before visiting vulnerable family members.
If your illness is not serious or life-threatening, I encourage you to contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for 24-hour advice from a registered nurse, helping ensure our emergency departments remain available for those who need urgent care.
“Protecting our community this winter is a shared responsibility, and vaccination remains our best defence against serious illness,” Mr Dwyer said.
