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Dr. Olivia Ignatiou
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
Is your child eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
In today’ s ever-changing and uncertain world, with the cost of living continuing to rise, it’ s more important than ever for families to stay on top of regular dental check-ups. Preventative care not only helps maintain healthy teeth and gums but can also reduce the likelihood of more costly and complex treatments down the track.
One way to make dental care more affordable is by checking whether your children are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule( CDBS). This government initiative provides eligible children aged 0 to 17 with up to $ 1,158 in dental benefits over two consecutive calendar years. Funded through Medicare, the CDBS can be used for a range of essential services, including routine check-ups, professional cleaning, X-rays, fissure sealing and basic treatments such as fillings.
Eligibility for the CDBS is means-tested, so not all families will qualify. However, many parents are surprised to learn they are eligible and simply haven’ t checked. Taking a few minutes to confirm your status could provide significant savings while ensuring your children maintain good oral health habits from an early age.
You can check your eligibility quickly and easily by logging into your Medicare online account or using the Medicare app. Alternatively, you can call Medicare directly- or contact our friendly team, and we’ ll be happy to check your eligibility for you and help you make the most of the benefits available.
Free needle-free flu vaccine now available for young children in NSW pharmacies
Young children across NSW can now receive free protection against influenza with the launch of a needle-free nasal spray flu vaccine in participating community pharmacies for children aged 2, 3 and 4 years.
The NSW Government funded program makes FluMist ®, a nasal spray influenza vaccine, available at no cost for eligible children, helping families protect their kids ahead of the 2026 flu season.
NSW Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Mario Barone, said the program removes one of the biggest barriers to childhood vaccination.
“ This is fantastic news for families right across NSW,” Mario Barone said.“ For many children, the fear of needles can be overwhelming. Being able to receive flu protection through a simple nasal spray makes the experience much easier and far less stressful.”
“ Complications from influenza can be particularly high among young children, which is why it’ s so important to get vaccinated before flu season really takes hold.”
“ Early vaccination helps protect children, their families, and the broader community.”
NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said the goal of rolling out the free nasal spray flu vaccines for 2-4 year olds is to increase vaccine uptake following a record flu season in 2025.
“ The immunisation rate of children under 5 is only 24 %, far lower than we need it to be,” Minister Park said.
“ Needles can sometimes be a big hurdle for young children getting a flu vaccine, and challenging for parents.
“ Community pharmacies are vital in giving access to vaccines for many people and I urge everyone in NSW to protect themselves and their families this winter from serious illness by getting the flu vaccine.”
FluMist ® is administered as a nasal spray rather than an injection, offering a needle free alternative for young children while still providing protection against influenza.
Community pharmacies across NSW are now offering the free FluMist ® vaccine for eligible children aged 2, 3 and 4 years, making it easier for parents to access timely vaccination close to home.
Parents and carers are encouraged to contact their local pharmacy to check availability and book an appointment ahead of the peak flu period.
16 ISSUE 131 // MAY 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT