The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a critical reminder regarding the use of FluMist, an intranasal influenza vaccine, emphasizing the importance of adhering to age indications. This alert comes in the wake of an incident where over 80 children received the vaccine in May, despite it not being indicated for their age group.
The TGA's medicine safety update highlights a concerning trend: adverse event reports involving FluMist in children under two years of age. In May 2026, 116 out of 161 FluMist-related adverse event reports were linked to children under two, with 89 instances of the product being administered to patients of inappropriate age and 38 cases of the wrong product being administered. While none of these reports were classified as serious, the government has taken proactive measures to prevent further incidents.
The Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing has advised healthcare professionals to double-check the age of children before administering FluMist and to consult the TGA website for accurate product information. This is a crucial step to ensure the safety and well-being of children, as FluMist is only approved for use in children and adolescents between the ages of two and 17 years.
FluMist is funded for specific age groups in different Australian states. In Queensland and New South Wales, it is available for all children aged between two and 17 years. In Western Australia, children between two and 12 years can receive it, and in South Australia, the eligible age range is between two and five years. Additionally, the vaccine is accessible via private prescription for other children in Western and South Australia, as well as for children aged two to 17 years in Victoria, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania.
The Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne is conducting the SNIFFLES study, which allows children aged two to nine years to receive FluMist instead of the standard injectable flu shot. This study highlights the ongoing research and development efforts to improve influenza vaccination methods.
The National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System has recorded a significant number of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases, with over 4300 cases occurring in children under five years of age between January and June. This data underscores the importance of accurate age indications for influenza vaccines to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the vaccination process.
In conclusion, the TGA's alert serves as a stark reminder of the critical need to adhere to age indications for FluMist. Healthcare professionals and caregivers must remain vigilant and consult official sources to ensure the proper administration of this vaccine, ultimately safeguarding the health of children across Australia.
