A new nasal spray will be rolled out for children next year in a bid to boost flu vaccination rates that have collapsed, and been blamed for worsening WA’s hospital crisis.

The announcement that the Cook Government will spend almost $5 million to secure 130,000 doses of FluMist was immediately hailed by the Royal Australian College of GPs, as a decision that will save young lives.

Perth Children’s Hospital infectious diseases head Chris Blyth said the needle-free administration of the vaccine has made a huge difference overseas, but wasn’t available in Australia until now.

“We know that children are at particular risk of flu but, importantly, they’re the ones that do spread flu in our community,” Prof. Blyth said.

“So by protecting them we get an opportunity, not only to protect the in

See Full Page