Dr Mike Freelander has welcomed the Therapeutic Goods Administration [TGA] registration of FluMist, a flu virus vaccine administered via nasal spray to children and adolescents aged between two and 18 years.
The Federal Member for Macarthur (pictured above) last week joined Dr Christina Frenzel, medical director AstraZeneca Australia, and Dr Sachi Mogha, staff specialist paediatrician at Campbelltown Hospital for the announcement on FluMist.
“I welcome the TGA registration of FluMist in Australia,’’ he said.
“With another option available for next year’s flu season, vaccination will be more accessible for families in my region and across Australia.
“Each winter, influenza puts real pressure on hospitals like Campbelltown Hospital and our local GPs.
“Increasing influenza vaccination coverage will help ease demand on busy emergency and paediatric services.
“I encourage parents to speak with their GP or pharmacist about influenza vaccination and to make a plan before the winter months,’’ Dr Freelander said.
“I’m proud to support practical measures that deliver more choice for families in our community.”
FluMist has been available in the northern hemisphere for more than 20 years and is recommended by the World Health Organization.
It will be available on the private market in Australia in early 2026.
State Governments in NSW, Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia have recently announced that they will provide FluMist as a needle-free vaccination option for young children ahead of the 2026 influenza season.
Influenza is a viral respiratory illness that can result in high rates of illness within the community.
Vaccination remains the most effective public health measure for reducing the incidence and severity of influenza infections.