Nasal spray influenza vaccine

NSW will commence a free nasal spray influenza vaccination program in 2026. This vaccine has been widely used in the Northern Hemisphere and provides a safe, tested and needle-free alternative to protect children against influenza. Free vaccines will be available for eligible children aged 2, 3 and 4 years old.

For more information for parents, see Influenza information for families with young children.

Who is eligible for the 2026 NSW Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program?

The NSW Nasal Spray Influenza Vaccination Program has been funded by the NSW Government for children aged 2, 3 and 4 years old.

The eligible group has been prioritised because they are at high risk of severe illness and readily spread influenza to others.

Last year in NSW:

    • more than 24,500 cases of influenza were notified in children under 5
    • over 4600 children under 5 went to emergency departments with influenza-like illness
    • more than 960 were admitted to hospital.

Young children, including otherwise healthy children, can get very sick from influenza. Vaccination rates in this age group remain low and the program aims to increase vaccination and protect children against severe illness.

This is a pilot year and there is a limited supply. The vaccines will be available from April to June, or until stock runs out.

What is the nasal spray influenza (flu) vaccine?

The program will use FluMist, which is approved for safe and effective use in children and adolescents (2 to 17 years) by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Although newly available in Australia, it has been safely given to millions of children in the Northern Hemisphere for more than a decade.

How the nasal spray flu vaccine works

The nasal spray flu vaccine protects against influenza.

  • It is given as a quick, painless spray into the nose - one spray is given into each nostril.
  • It is absorbed quickly in the nose, so even if the child sneezes afterwards, it still works.
  • It contains small amounts of weakened influenza viruses that help the body learn how to fight the real virus. It builds protection by mimicking a natural infection to stimulate the body's immune response.
  • It trains the immune system to recognise and fight the influenza virus. It does not cause or spread influenza.
  • It works just as well as the flu vaccine injection.
  • It takes about two weeks after getting it for full protection to develop.

For more information, see NCIRS: Influenza immunisation and Influenza vaccines – NCIRS frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Where will the free nasal spray flu vaccine be available in NSW?

Nasal spray flu vaccine will be available through GPs, Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) and community pharmacies.

The flu vaccine injection will continue to be available.

The vaccine is available on the private market for children aged 2 to 17 years old.

For more information on flu vaccines for children, see Influenza information for families with young children.

When is the best time to get a flu vaccine?

It's best to get a flu vaccine before winter each year.

Influenza spreads the most during winter, usually between June and September. Getting vaccinated early helps provide protection when influenza is most common.

Flu vaccines are updated every year to match the strains of the influenza virus expected to circulate, which is why getting vaccinated each year is recommended.

It is never too late to get the flu vaccine because influenza can circulate all year.

Where can I find more information?


Current as at: Thursday 23 April 2026
Contact page owner: Strategic Policy and Program Support