Flu vaccination without needles aims to boost uptake in young children
17 Sep 2025
Young children in New South Wales and Queensland will soon be able to get protection against the flu without needles, with both state governments announcing plans to introduce the intranasal influenza vaccine FluMist ahead of the 2026 winter season.
The vaccine, sprayed into the nose, provides the same protection as standard flu shots but without the distress of an injection. It will be available for children aged two to under five years through their GP, with the aim of improving uptake among families where needle anxiety has been a barrier.
Queensland will roll out FluMist in 2026 under its new Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program, while NSW will introduce it as a separate program. In both states, it will be provided at no cost to families.
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Catherine McDougall said international results show FluMist is highly effective at boosting vaccination rates. “In the first year of the UK’s FluMist program, vaccination rates reached about 40% among young children. Currently, coverage in Queensland is under 20%,” she said.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the needle-free option is expected to make it easier for parents to vaccinate their children and may also help reduce flu-related pressure on emergency departments.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed the move, describing it as “game-changing relief for parents.”
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RACGP NSW&ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said the program will help lift falling flu immunisation rates among young children, which dropped from 44% in 2020 to under 26% by August 2025.
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RACGP Queensland Chair Dr Cathryn Hester called the initiative “a revolution for Queensland families,” saying no-cost, needle-free vaccines would ease parent concerns and protect more children.
Australia is emerging from two of its worst flu seasons on record, with more than 365,000 confirmed flu cases already reported this year – nearly matching last year’s total with months still to go.
FluMist may also become available to other age groups in the private market. Queensland has confirmed it will be offered privately to children up to 17 years, while NSW expects wider availability pending regulatory approval.
Pharmacists have also expressed readiness to deliver the vaccine more broadly if government support is provided, with national consistency depending on future Federal funding.
Source: newsGP
