sick child with flu and parent providing support

Needle-free Flu Vaccination: Protect Little Noses from the Flu

/ Medsana News / By

Needle-Free Flu Vaccination for Children

Flu spreads quickly in childcare settings.
Vaccinations like the Flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to help protect children, families, and educators during flu season.

What is the intranasal flu vaccine?

The intranasal flu vaccine is a needle-free option given as a gentle spray into the nose.
It helps the body build protection against influenza (flu) without causing illness.

Why parents choose this option

✔ No needles – simple nasal spray
✔ Quick and child-friendly
✔ Effective protection against flu
✔ Reduces flu spread in childcare settings
✔ Helpful for children who are anxious about injections

Traditional flu vaccines are still available

The standard flu vaccine (given by injection) remains available and continues to be a safe and effective option for children.

Families can choose the vaccination option that is most appropriate for their child, in consultation with their General Practitioner

Who can receive the intranasal flu vaccine?

  • Licensed for children aged 2–17 years
  • FREE for Queensland children aged 2-5 years
  • More information to come, your GP can help answer any questions

Is it safe?

Yes. The intranasal flu vaccine has been extensively used internationally and is approved for use in eligible children.You cannot develop influenza from flu vaccination.

Common side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as:

  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Sneezing
  • Mild tiredness

Why flu vaccination matters in childcare

  • Young children can become very unwell from flu
  • Flu spreads easily through close contact and shared spaces
  • Vaccination helps protect children, families, and educators
  • Fewer illnesses mean fewer absences and disruptions

More information coming soon

Further details about availability, logistics and roll-out will be shared soon.

Want to learn more?  Speak with your GP or healthcare provider to discuss the most suitable flu vaccination option for your child.

Together, we can help keep our childcare community healthy this flu season.

Timely PCR Swab Service

Available between 8:30am – 9am

 

  1. Short Telephone Consult with the patient – bulk billed if Medicare eligible. Private fees with no Medicare rebates apply if the patient has not seen us in the last 12 months.
  2. The doctor will request a respiratory panel for viruses and bacteria (where clinically appropriate).  For example, Influenza, Covid, RSV, mycoplasma, pertussis and so forth.  Not all possible infections are on this panel.  The doctor may decline the request if it is not appropriate and direct the patient accordingly.
  3. Normal fees will apply if more than swabbing is requested.  Clinical examination and other requests requires a normal consultation at another time.
  4. Patient arrives at the car park next to Building 10 before 11am.  Or takes the pathology request to another 4Cyte collection centre.
  5. Patient calls reception to notify of their arrival so the 4Cyte Pathology Collector can gown up and go the patient’s car to swab the patient.
  6. PCR swab gets sent to 4Cyte.  The processing times varies according to workflows.
  7. 4Cyte will SMS the patient with the Covid results.  Positive PCR test results for other respiratory viruses or bacteria are not named.  A negative PCR result doesn’t mean the patient is infection free.  These swabs narrow down the possibilities and guide appropriate treatments.
  8. An appropriate appointment needs to be made for results in person, via video or via phone.  Normal fees applies for these consult.  Normal fees applies if the doctor calls the patient for further clinical advice and management.  
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