A new flu vaccine is set to be introduced for children in New South Wales (NSW), offering a needle-free alternative that aims to increase vaccination rates among young kids. The NSW Government has announced plans to provide FluMist, a free intranasal vaccine, to children aged two to five years. This innovative approach will be available ahead of the 2026 winter flu season.
The vaccine, which is administered as a nasal spray, promises the same level of protection as traditional flu shots. According to NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, the program is designed to provide an accessible and convenient option for parents, potentially improving vaccination uptake among children.
“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,” said NSW Health Minister Ryan Park.
Addressing Vaccination Barriers
The introduction of FluMist comes in response to concerns about the barriers that needles pose to vaccination. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners had previously advocated for government funding of needle-free flu vaccinations for young children. Dr. Rebekah Hoffman, NSW&ACT Chair, described the initiative as a “game-changer” for families.
“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 stated.
She highlighted that two-thirds of parents reported distress as a significant obstacle to vaccinating their children. The nasal vaccine, which has been used successfully in the Northern Hemisphere, is undergoing regulatory approval in Australia and is expected to be available through general practitioners in NSW.
Flu Statistics and Public Health Implications
The announcement follows a year marked by high flu activity in the region. Earlier this year, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) reported a record number of flu cases, with the virus also circulating in southeast NSW. As of September 13, the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System dashboard recorded 138,021 flu cases in NSW, out of 280,841 reports of respiratory disease.
By the Numbers: 138,021 flu cases reported in NSW this year, compared to 161,536 in 2024.
Dr. Hoffman emphasized the potential impact of the nasal vaccine on public health, noting that it could reduce hospitalizations and keep more children safe. However, she warned that efforts must continue to combat reduced flu immunity.
“For parents, taking a young child to hospital with severe flu is terrifying,” Dr. Hoffman said. “It’s also too common. There have been more than 3000 influenza-like illness presentations to our emergency departments [involving] children under five. Over 600 have been admitted to hospital.”
Looking Ahead: Broader Availability and Community Health
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr. Kerry Chant underscored the seriousness of influenza and the importance of vaccination in preventing severe complications. She welcomed the introduction of the nasal vaccine as a means to support healthier communities during the winter months.
“Influenza is a serious illness that can cause pneumonia, make chronic underlying medical conditions like diabetes, lung and heart disease much worse requiring hospital admission, and cause death,” Dr. Chant explained.
The NSW Government also anticipates that the vaccine may become available through the private market for other age groups, pending regulatory approval. This expansion could further enhance community protection against the flu.
As NSW prepares for the rollout of FluMist, the initiative represents a significant step forward in public health strategy, aiming to ease parental concerns and improve vaccination rates among young children.
