00:02Hi Charlie, I'm Penny.
00:04For Charlie Chapman, getting this year's influenza vaccine was a breeze.
00:09Instead of an injection, the three-year-old had flu mist.
00:12One in one nostril, and then one in the other nostril.
00:16Given as a nasal spray.
00:18One, two, three, sniff.
00:21The needle-free vaccine used overseas for years,
00:25finally on offer in Australia.
00:27I really hope that that will make it even easier
00:30for families to come forward to get their children vaccinated.
00:34It's approved for children aged from 2 to 17.
00:37It isn't for adults.
00:39Doctors say the spray is safe and effective.
00:43It contains tiny amounts of weakened influenza strain
00:47and that helps train the body's immune system to work out how to respond.
00:53This year it's free in Queensland, New South Wales,
00:56South Australia and Western Australia for children in certain age groups.
01:01It can be bought in the other states and territories
01:05and across the country for children too old for a free dose.
01:09We really need it available all around the country for free
01:12because we don't want kids putting off getting that vaccine.
01:16Clinics and pharmacies will set the private price.
01:19In Queensland families will pay up to about $45.
01:25Injectable vaccines are still available.
01:28Get your vaccine through a GP, through a community health centre
01:31or through a pharmacy.
01:32They're all good doors to go through to get that vaccine.
01:34Children aged under five are one of the groups
01:37at higher risk of complications from influenza.
01:40But last flu season just one in four were vaccinated against the virus.
01:46The spray could be a game changer.
01:48Know collection support for children 3, 2, 1, Virtualergies
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