Needle-Free Flu Vaccine for Queensland Kids Starts in March
10 Feb 2026
The Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program will cover children aged two to five years. Free flu vaccines will also be available for everyone aged six months and older from March until September.
Other states, including NSW, SA, and WA, will also offer FluMist this flu season, with WA extending free coverage to children aged two to 12.
RACGP Queensland Chair Dr Cathryn Hester said it was “great news for families” and GPs should not face major supply issues. She added that GP clinics are key to helping protect patients from serious flu illness.
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls said needle-free vaccines help address low vaccination rates and needle anxiety. Last year, only 25.7% of children under five received a flu shot, during a record flu season with more than 410,000 confirmed cases.
The program allows registered nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners to administer vaccines, making it easier to reach children and reduce illness and hospitalisations.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: Queensland Health & RACGP
