Australia introduces nasal spray flu vaccine for children, expanding options amid declining vaccination rates
Consensus Summary
Australia is introducing a nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist) for children aged 2–17 to combat declining vaccination rates and a surge in influenza cases driven by the Super-K strain. The vaccine, approved by the TGA, uses a weakened live virus and is administered as a spray in each nostril, offering a needle-free alternative to traditional injections. Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, and Western Australia are providing FluMist for free to specific age groups, while other states require private purchase at a cost of about $50–$70. Health authorities cite overseas evidence supporting its effectiveness and safety, with minor side effects like a runny nose or fever. Vaccination rates for young children have dropped significantly since 2020, prompting calls from medical groups for nationwide free access to the nasal spray to boost uptake and reduce flu transmission. The traditional injectable vaccine remains free for high-risk groups, including children under 5 and those with medical conditions.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- FluMist nasal spray vaccine is now available for children aged 2–17 years in Australia, approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for this age range.
- The nasal spray vaccine is a live attenuated influenza vaccine (weakened virus) administered as one spray per nostril, and cannot cause the flu.
- Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, and Western Australia are offering FluMist for free to specific age groups: Queensland (2–5), SA (2–4), NSW (2–4), WA (2–11).
- Influenza vaccination rates for children aged 6 months to 5 years declined from 44% in 2020 to 25.7% by September 2025, according to the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia.
- Over 25,000 influenza cases have been recorded in Australia, driven by the highly contagious Super-K strain, with health experts warning of a surge.
- Dr Marianne Gale, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, stated there is 'extensive evidence' from overseas (UK, Europe, Canada, US) supporting FluMist’s effectiveness and safety.
- The traditional injectable flu vaccine remains free for children aged 6 months to under 5, pregnant women, Aboriginal people aged 6 months+, those over 65, and people with serious health conditions.
- The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has called for national consistency and free access to FluMist across all states to boost vaccination rates.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- FluMist is available for free in Queensland (2–5), SA (2–5), NSW (2–4), and WA (2–11), while ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, and NT require private purchase (~$50–$70).
- General practitioners urged all states to include nasal spray in free flu vaccination programs.
- The nasal spray may cause minor, short-lived side effects like runny nose, sore throat, and fever.
- NSW health minister Ryan Park highlighted the 'needle-free alternative' as a 'real win for parents' concerned about vaccinations.
- In NSW, there were 24,500 influenza cases in children under 5 in the previous flu season, with 4,600 ED presentations and 960 hospital admissions—a 40% increase.
- The private cost for FluMist outside funded states is about $50–$70, with NSW/SA/Qld/WA covering it for specific age groups.
- FluMist was only recently approved in Australia because drug companies had not applied earlier, despite its long use overseas (e.g., UK since 2013).
- Three-year-old Charlie Chapman received FluMist in Brisbane, demonstrating its use in real-world settings.
- Dr Michael Wright (RACGP president) emphasized 'national consistency' is needed to prevent children from avoiding vaccination due to cost or access barriers.
- Pharmacy Guild of Australia noted private FluMist costs ~$40–$45 in Queensland, with state subsidies covering part of the cost.
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- The Guardian states NSW offers FluMist for free to children aged 2–4, while Newscomau says NSW offers it to 2–4 but does not mention the upper age limit explicitly in the same way.
- Newscomau reports WA offers FluMist for ages 2–11, while the Guardian confirms WA’s range as 2–11 but does not provide additional context on why this differs from other states.
- The Guardian mentions 24,500 influenza cases in NSW children under 5 in the previous season, while Newscomau reports over 25,000 cases nationally without specifying NSW alone.
Source Articles
Major change to Aussie flu jab
A major change could be key to Australia’s battle against increasing influenza cases and a rapidly declining vaccination rate.
Children to get free flu vaccine via nasal spray in NSW, with minister spruiking ‘needle-free alternative’
NSW follows Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia in offering free treatments for kids four and under, saving up to $70 Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Hundreds of thousands of children will be able to access a painless, needle-free flu vaccination for free as governments attempt to curb falling vaccine rates. New South Wales has become the latest state to offer a nasal spray flu vaccine to children f
Who is eligible for the new nasal spray flu vaccine?
It's been available in the northern hemisphere for years, now Australian children can receive a nasal spray vaccine for the flu.
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