THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is urging states and territories to introduce free, needle-free influenza vaccines for children aged two to under five years, following the lead of Queensland and NSW.

PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim, said vaccination coverage among young children remains “unacceptably low”, with uptake in some jurisdictions below 20 percent.

“Too many children are missing out on flu vaccination, and parents consistently tell us that the fear of needles is a barrier,” Assoc Prof Sim said.

“A nasal spray option changes that, and we know from overseas experience that uptake of vaccines improves dramatically,” she pointed out.

“Pharmacists are ready to deliver these vaccines in every community, but we need every government to come on board,” she concluded.

PSA Vaccination Ambassador Anna Theophilos said needle-free vaccines would “make a real difference for families” by taking away anxiety around needles, making it easier for families to protect kids.

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