A new flu vaccine is set to be introduced for children in New South Wales (NSW), offering a needle-free alternative that could revolutionize the way young kids receive their annual flu protection. The NSW Government has announced plans to provide FluMist, an intranasal vaccine, free of charge to young children, eliminating the need for needles.
The intranasal vaccine, which is sprayed into the nose, offers the same level of protection as traditional vaccines currently available for this age group. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park emphasized the program’s potential to increase vaccination uptake, stating, “This new program will provide an accessible and convenient needle-free option for children and improve vaccination uptake ahead of the 2026 winter flu season.”
Needle-Free Vaccination: A Game Changer
FluMist is expected to be available from next year for children aged two to five years. The initiative follows a year of record-breaking flu cases in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and a significant circulation of the virus in southeast NSW. As of September 13, the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System reported 138,021 flu cases in NSW this year, highlighting the urgent need for effective vaccination strategies.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners had previously urged the NSW Government to fund needle-free flu vaccinations for young children. Dr. Rebekah Hoffman, Chair of NSW&ACT, called the initiative a “game-changer” for families, noting that two-thirds of parents cited distress as a barrier to vaccinating their children.
“As GPs, we know [needles are] a barrier to achieving the immunity our young patients need, and this Minns Government initiative breaks that barrier,” Dr. Hoffman said.
Global Experience and Local Implementation
The FluMist vaccine has been used successfully in the Northern Hemisphere and is currently undergoing regulatory approval in Australia. In NSW, it will be available through general practitioners, providing a convenient option for parents.
Dr. Kerry Chant, NSW Chief Health Officer, stressed the importance of flu protection, noting that influenza can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and exacerbation of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. “Even previously healthy children can experience severe complications from influenza,” Dr. Chant stated. “It is great that we will be able to offer a new method of vaccination which can help support healthier communities during the winter months.”
Addressing Vaccination Barriers
Dr. Hoffman highlighted that needle-free vaccines have been thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy. The introduction of a nasal spray is expected to increase vaccine uptake, as it removes the fear and discomfort associated with needles. According to the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, only 27.6 percent of children under five were vaccinated against the flu by the end of 2024.
“For parents, taking a young child to hospital with severe flu is terrifying,” Dr. Hoffman said. “There have been more than 3000 influenza-like illness presentations to our emergency departments involving children under five, with over 600 admissions to hospital.”
The NSW Government also anticipates that, pending regulatory approval, the vaccine may be available through the private market for other age groups, potentially expanding its benefits beyond young children.
As the 2026 flu season approaches, the introduction of a needle-free vaccine could significantly impact public health efforts, reducing hospitalizations and supporting healthier communities. The move represents a strategic effort to tackle reduced flu immunity and protect vulnerable populations, particularly young children, from the severe impacts of influenza.
