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Associate director north coast population and public health Robin Auld said annual vaccination was necessary because the virus continues to change.<\/p>\n
\u201cA flu shot is necessary every year because the influenza virus changes over time and the vaccine is updated each year to protect against the most recent and common strains,” Auld said.<\/p>\n
According to the media release, children aged two, three or four years old can now access a free nasal spray flu vaccine as an alternative to the traditional injection.<\/p>\n
The nasal spray, known as FluMist, is administered as a quick, painless dose delivered once into each nostril.<\/p>\n
Although newly introduced in Australia, it has been safely administered to millions of children in the Northern Hemisphere for more than a decade, the media release said.<\/p>\n
The nasal spray vaccine is available through GPs, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and participating pharmacies.<\/p>\n
It can also be purchased for children aged five and over at a cost of about $40 to $50.<\/p>\n
Under the National Immunisation Program, free influenza vaccinations are available for children aged six months to five years, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over, people aged 65 and over, and those with certain medical conditions.<\/p>\n
Flu vaccines are available through GPs, pharmacies and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, although children under two are advised to see their doctor for vaccination.<\/p>\n
For more information on flu and immunisation programs, visit the NSW Health and Healthy North Coast websites.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
NORTH Coast residents are being urged to get vaccinated ahead of winter, with health authorities promoting a new needle-free flu vaccine option for young children. In a joint media release, Healthy North Coast, Mid North Coast Local Health District and Northern NSW Local Health District warned influenza can lead to hospitalisation, particularly among young children, […]<\/p>\n