This winter, Australian families with children aged 2–17 years have a new, needle-free alternative to the traditional flu jab: FluMist.
Delivered as a quick and painless nasal spray, FluMist could be a game changer for parents of children who feel anxious in medical settings, or around needles.
So, let’s talk about how FluMist works, safety and effectiveness, who can access it for free, and if you can claim it from your health insurance.
What is FluMist?
Administered as a gentle nasal spray, FluMist is a live vaccine that contains a weakened form of the flu virus, which helps teach a child’s body to build protection against the virus by stimulating the immune system in their nose and throat.
How does a needle-free flu vaccine work?
FluMist is administered by placing a small applicator inside the child’s nostril, and spraying one dose in each nostril.
The vaccine is absorbed quickly, so even if the child sneezes, they won’t need another dose – one less thing for parents to worry about, especially those with children who are worried about needles!
Where can parents find information on safety and effectiveness?
Like all vaccines in Australia, FluMist has been assessed by multiple health authorities. To make life easier, here are some of the key points:
- It’s not brand new: FluMist has been available outside of Australia for over 20 years, and comes with extensive safety data from its use overseas.
Source: The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia - It’s approved for use in Australia: The Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia’s medicines regulator) has approved FluMist for people aged from 24 months old to less than 18 years of age.
Source: Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods - It offers the same protection as the traditional flu jab: FluMist is described to be “safe and effective, providing the same protection against influenza type A and B viruses as currently available influenza vaccines” for the approved age groups.
Source: Government of Western Australia
Which states are offering FluMist for free?
In Australia, FluMist is available to children and teens aged 2–17 years old. However, funding arrangements for FluMist vary across states and territories, affecting which families can take their children to receive the vaccine for free:
- Western Australia: Free for children aged 2–11 years.
- Queensland: Free for children aged 2–5 years.
- New South Wales and South Australia: Free for children aged 2–4 years.
- Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, Tasmania, and Victoria: Only available on the private market.
Western Australia is the home of HIF, so after having our worst flu season on record just last year, we’re proud to see WA leading the nation by offering the state-funded FluMist program to the largest age cohort nationwide.
For those with children who do not qualify to receive the state-funded dose, FluMist will also be available to buy privately from clinics and pharmacies across Australia.
It’s important to note that in Australia, FluMist is only approved for children, which means adults can only receive flu vaccinations via injection.
Can HIF members claim FluMist?
As healthcare continues to evolve, keeping an eye out and adapting to keep pace is vital to supporting our members. Eligible HIF members can use their Pharmacy benefits to claim FluMist the same way they would claim the traditional flu jab.
How do I claim flu vaccinations from HIF?
HIF members with Pharmacy cover can claim up to $20 toward their annual flu vaccination. The benefit is payable once per person, per calendar year, and must be provided at a registered pharmacy within Australia. Find more information about claiming flu vaccinations at hif.com.au/flu-vaccinations
To check which Extras cover options include Pharmacy, visit our Extras Comparison Table. Or if you’re an HIF member, check the services included on your cover anytime via the Online Member Centre.