Australia has launched the world's first national program to treat babies with peanut allergies using daily doses of peanut powder, marking a groundbreaking initiative in allergy management.

The program offers free treatment to children under 12 months with a confirmed peanut allergy at ten public pediatric hospitals across various states, making it accessible to many families.

Eligible infants will receive gradually increasing doses of peanut powder daily for at least two years under medical supervision to build tolerance.

This initiative is the first standardized oral immunotherapy offered through hospitals, as previous trials were limited to research settings.

While oral immunotherapy carries risks, including allergic reactions, families are encouraged to introduce key allergens to children in their first year of life.

Approximately 3% of Australian infants suffer from peanut allergies, which are less likely to be outgrown compared to other food allergies.

Professor Kirsten Perrett, Director of the National Allergy Centre of Excellence, believes this program could be a 'game changer' for managing peanut allergies.

The National Allergy Centre of Excellence will evaluate the program's effectiveness and safety, with hopes to extend it to more hospitals and potentially address other food allergies.

While the program is expected to be in high demand, its capacity will depend on hospital resources, as few private clinics offer similar treatments.

The treatment program is free and available at public hospitals, which is seen as a significant benefit for families managing allergies.

Nine-month-old Hunter Chatwin is participating in the program following severe allergic reactions to peanut butter, showcasing the program's immediate impact on young patients.

Doctors have cautioned that families should not attempt oral immunotherapy at home without supervision, as it is not suitable for everyone.