RACGP Urges NT to Introduce Needle-Free Flu Vaccine for Children

RACGP Urges NT to Introduce Needle-Free Flu Vaccine for Children

28 Oct 2025


Western Australia plans to provide 130,000 free doses of the nasal flu vaccine for children between the ages of 2 and 11 next year.
Similarly, South Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland have also announced their intentions to offer this vaccine.

Dr Sam Heard, the RACGP Northern Territory Chair, stated that the Territory should take similar steps.


“Providing free, nasal flu vaccinations for young children is a reasonable and essential public health measure,” he said.
“Children are particularly vulnerable to severe flu, including hospitalisation, and this method is both economical and safe.”

Dr Heard pointed out the success of the nasal vaccine in various countries, including Italy, the UK, Finland, and Spain, where it has led to higher vaccination rates and fewer challenges related to fear of needles.


There has been an increase in flu cases in the Northern Territory, with 4,041 laboratory-confirmed cases in 2025, compared to 3,299 in 2024.
Vaccination rates remain low, with only 35.4% of children aged six months to five years immunised, and just 34.9% of people aged 65 years or older receiving the vaccine.

“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community,” Dr Heard added.


Source: RACGP Media Release, October 2025.
 

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