NSW Expands Free Needle-Free Flu Vaccine to More Children
27 May 2026
The nasal spray vaccine is now available at no cost for all children and teenagers aged 2–17 years. Previously, free access was limited to children aged 2–4 years.
The RACGP has welcomed the change, saying it could help improve flu vaccination rates by offering a less stressful option for children who are afraid of needles.
RACGP representatives say the flu can significantly affect children’s health, education and daily activities, and making vaccination easier may encourage more families to get protected before winter.
Australia has already recorded almost 32,000 laboratory-confirmed flu cases in 2026, including more than 11,000 cases in NSW.
NSW Health data shows around 15% of children aged 2–5 years had received a flu vaccine by mid-May, with most choosing the nasal spray option.
Access to free FluMist varies across Australia. Some states provide government-funded programs for selected age groups, while others offer the vaccine without public funding.
The RACGP is continuing to call for broader government funding in other states, particularly Victoria, where families can pay around $60 per child for the needle-free vaccine.
Doctors say early results suggest intranasal vaccines may be helping improve flu vaccination rates among children and are encouraging governments to expand access ahead of the peak winter season.
Health experts continue to remind families that flu vaccination remains one of the best ways to reduce the risk of serious illness and help protect the wider community.
NSW Expands Free Needle-Free Flu Vaccine to More Children
Source: RACGP newsGP
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